Main conjecture on non-constant families of covers with specified ramification

Let kk be an algebraically closed field of characteristic p>0p>0, let dd be a positive integer, let S={P1,,Pn}S=\{P_1,\ldots,P_n\} be a set of points on Pk1\mathbb{P}^1_k, and let l1,,lnl_1,\ldots,l_n be positive integers. Suppose there exists a degree dd cover

f:Pk1Pk1f:\mathbb{P}^1_k\rightarrow\mathbb{P}^1_k

with ramification locus SS such that the differential length of ff at each PiP_i is lil_i. Main conjecture. There exists a non-constant family of degree dd covers Pk1Pk1\mathbb{P}^1_k\rightarrow\mathbb{P}^1_k with ramification locus SS and differential length lil_i at each PiP_i if and only if lipl_i\geq p for at least one ii. This conjecture characterizes when the specified ramification data admits a non-constant family, building on the definition of families in which the source is fixed while the target varies. Its resolution is not indicated in the supplied text.

Sources & referencesView supporting material

Primary source

Ryan Eberhart, “Families and moduli of covers with specified ramification”, arXiv:1312.7144 (2013).

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