What is... an L-function?

Riccardo Pengo will explain what an L-function is.

Abstract: In this talk, we will see how it is possible to study the representations of a particular group of symmetries (the absolute Galois group of a field) by looking at the characteristic polynomials of some very interesting elements inside it. These characteristic polynomials can be put together to form a function of a complex variable. We will then see how to study this function by looking at its special values, i.e. its values at the integers, and how this is linked to many open questions in algebra, number theory, geometry and... dynamical systems!

"What is...?" is an accessible and non-technical seminar where speakers explain in one (short) lecture some object or theorem that they think is interesting. There will be drinks and snacks during the talk. See the seminar website for more information.