On a zeta function associated with automata and codes

AbstractThe zeta function of a finite automaton A is exp{∑n=1∞anznn}, where an is the number of bi-infinite paths in A labelled by a bi-infinite word of period n. It reflects the properties of A: aperiodicity, nil-simplicity, existence of a zero. The results are applied to codes

Sofic-Dyck shifts

We define the class of sofic-Dyck shifts which extends the class of Markov-Dyck shifts introduced by Inoue, Krieger and Matsumoto. Sofic-Dyck shifts are shifts of sequences whose finite factors form unambiguous context-free languages. We show that they correspond exactly to the class of shifts of sequences whose sets of factors are visibly pushdown languages. We give an expression of the zeta function of a sofic-Dyck shift

Cyclic languages and strongly cyclic languages

International audienceWe prove that cyclic languages are the boolean closure of languages called strongly cyclic languages. The result is used to give another proof of the rationality of the zeta function of rational cyclic languages

Dynamically affine maps in positive characteristic

We study fixed points of iterates of dynamically affine maps (a generalisation of Latt\`es maps) over algebraically closed fields of positive characteristic $p$. We present and study certain hypotheses that imply a dichotomy for the Artin-Mazur zeta function of the dynamical system: it is either rational or non-holonomic, depending on specific characteristics of the map. We also study the algebraicity of the so-called tame zeta function, the generating function for periodic points of order coprime to $p$. We then verify these hypotheses for dynamically affine maps on the projective line, generalising previous work of Bridy, and, in arbitrary dimension, for maps on Kummer varieties arising from multiplication by integers on abelian varieties.Comment: Lois van der Meijden co-authored Appendix B. 31 p

Multiband linear cellular automata and endomorphisms of algebraic vector groups

We propose a correspondence between certain multiband linear cellular automata - models of computation widely used in the description of physical phenomena - and endomorphisms of certain algebraic unipotent groups over finite fields. The correspondence is based on the construction of a universal element specialising to a normal generator for any finite field. We use this correspondence to deduce new results concerning the temporal dynamics of such automata, using our prior, purely algebraic, study of the endomorphism ring of vector groups. These produce 'for free' a formula for the number of fixed points of the $n$-iterate in terms of the $p$-adic valuation of $n$, a dichotomy for the Artin-Mazur dynamical zeta function, and an asymptotic formula for the number of periodic orbits. Since multiband linear cellular automata simulate higher order linear automata (in which states depend on finitely many prior temporal states, not just the direct predecessor), the results apply equally well to that class.Comment: 11 page

The mathematical research of William Parry FRS

In this article we survey the mathematical research of the late William (Bill) Parry, FRS

Only Human: a book review of The Turing Guide

This is a review of The Turing Guide (2017), written by Jack Copeland, Jonathan Bowen, Mark Sprevak, Robin Wilson, and others. The review includes a new sociological approach to the problem of computability in physics