Euler-transform coefficient conjecture for the partial theta function

Let Θ0(x,y)=n=0xnyn(n1)/2\Theta_0(x,y)=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}x^n y^{n(n-1)/2} be the partial theta function, and let ξ0(y)\xi_0(y) be its associated formal power series. Write

ξ0(y)=m=1(1ym)cm.\xi_0(y)=\prod_{m=1}^{\infty}(1-y^m)^{-c_m}.

Euler-transform coefficient conjecture. The sequence (cm)m=1(c_m)_{m=1}^{\infty} is strictly positive, increasing, strictly convex, and satisfies Δkc0\Delta^k c\geq0 for k=3,4k=3,4; explicitly, these conditions are cm>0c_m>0, Δc0\Delta c\geq0, Δ2c>0\Delta^2c>0, and Δkc0\Delta^k c\geq0 for k=3,4k=3,4. The sequence Δ5c\Delta^5c begins with 3-3, so the conjecture does not extend to k=5k=5. The claims were verified through order y6999y^{6999}, but no proof was known.

Sources & referencesView supporting material

Primary source

Alan D. Sokal, “The leading root of the partial theta function”, arXiv:1106.1003 (2012).

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