Geometry and arithmetic associated to Appell hypergeometric partial differential equations

Abstract

In this paper, we study the monodromy of Appell hypergeometric partial differential equations, which lead us to find four derivatives which are associated to the group GL(3). Our four derivatives have the remarkable properties. We find that Appell hypergeometric partial differential equations can be reduced to four nonlinear partial differential equations by the use of our four derivatives. We investigate these four nonlinear partial differential equations. We are interested in some particular cases. In these cases, the system of linear partial differential equations has the remarkable properties. We find the $\eta$-functions associated to the unitary group $U(2, 1)$, which has the interesting properties. Our $\eta$-functions lead us to study the arithmetic of Picard curves, especially the transform problems (moduli problems) and the corresponding modular equations. We give a rational transformation between two irrational integrals which are associated to some algebraic surfaces of degree seven. We find a modular equation which give the relation between the moduli of two Picard curves.