Galois Theory Over
Patching and Galois theory David Harbater∗ Dept. of Mathematics, University of Pennsylvania Abstract: Galois theory over (x) is well-understood as a consequence of Riemann's Existence Theorem, which classifies the algebraic branched covers of the complex projective line. The proof of that theorem uses analytic and topological methods, including the ability to construct covers locally and to patch them together on the overlaps. To study the Galois extensions of k(x) for other fields k, one would like to have an analog of Riemann's Existence Theorem for curves over k. Such a result remains out of reach, but partial results in this direction can be proven using patching methods that are analogous to complex patching, and which apply in more general contexts. One such method is formal patching, in which formal completions of schemes play the role of small open sets. Another such method is rigid patching, in which non-archimedean discs are used. Both methods yield the realization of arbitrary finite groups as Galois groups over k(x) for various classes of fields k, as well as more precise results concerning embedding problems and fundamental groups. This manuscript describes such patching methods and their relationships to the classical approach over , and shows how these methods provide results about Galois groups and fundamental groups. ∗ Supported in part by NSF Grants DMS9970481 and DMS0200045. (Version 3.4, Aug. 6, 2002.) 2000 Mathematics Subject Classification. Primary 14H30, 12F12, 14D15; Secondary 13B05, 13J05, 12E30. Key words and phrases: fundamental group, Galois covers, patching, formal scheme, rigid analytic space, affine curves, deformations, embedding problems.
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