Explicit Methods for Abelian Varieties

Overview

Abelian varieties are fundamental objects in algebraic geometry with a long, rich history of study. They are indispensable in number theory, and an important source of practical settings for cryptography. Although there are wide-ranging general structure theorems, efficient explicit computational tools required for applications are only available in the simplest cases.

Although many powerful theoretical advances have led to significant breakthroughs (eg. the Taniyama-Shimura-Weil Theorem and Fermat's Last Theorem, Weil descent and the elliptic curve discrete logarithm problem), efficient explicit methods for computing with abelian varieties in general are not known.  For example, all abelian varieties by definition have a group law, but to date efficient methods to compute it are restricted to Jacobian varieties of algebraic curves, and most existing literature treats only the simplest cases of elliptic and hyperelliptic curves.  Similarly, explicit methods to compute arithmetic data on abelian varieties, or even to tabulate interesting examples and tables of abelian varieties, only exist for relatively simple cases.  Cremona's extensive tables of elliptic curves over the rationals of bounded conductor are a well-known resource that has proved to be valuable to many researchers, but there is very little data available for other types of abelian varieties. Even for the simplest case of algebraic curves, there is considerable interest in improving the state-of-the-art in these areas.

The CRG on Explicit Methods for Abelian Varieties represents an extensive network of regional, national, and international researchers focused on improving the state-of-the-art in this area. Building on existing relationships, we plan new partnerships and joint activities that will enable us to continue working together for years to come.
 

Organizers

• Jeff Achter (Colorado State)
• Amir Akbary (Lethbridge)
• Mark Bauer (Calgary)
• Nils Bruin (Simon Fraser)
• Craig Costello (Microsoft Research)
• Laurent Imbert (CNRS, Montpellier, France)
• Michael Jacobson (Calgary)
• David Jao (Waterloo)
• Kumar Murty (Toronto)
• Andreas Stein (Oldenburg, Germany)
• Bianca Viray (Washington)