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Finite automata and algebraic extensions of function fields

Kiran S. Kedlaya

math.ACarXiv:math/0410375

Abstract

We give an automata-theoretic description of the algebraic closure of the rational function field Fq(t) over a finite field, generalizing a result of Christol. The description takes place within the Hahn-Mal'cev-Neumann field of "generalized power series" over Fq. Our approach includes a characterization of well-ordered sets of rational numbers whose base p expansions are generated by a finite automaton, as well as some techniques for computing in the algebraic closure; these include an adaptation to positive characteristic of Newton's algorithm for finding local expansions of plane curves. We also conjecture a generalization of our results to several variables.

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