Theta Functions and Reciprocity Laws

Abstract: In the first part, we consider generalized quadratic Gauss sums as finite analogues of the Jacobi theta function, and the reciprocity law for Gauss sums as their transformation formula. We attach finite Dirichlet series to Gauss sums using a M\"obius transform, and show they have a functional equation, Euler product factorization, and roots only on the critical line. In the second part, we prove a general reciprocity law for sums of exponentials of rational quadratic forms in any number of variables, using the transformation formula of the Riemann theta function on the Siegel upper half-space.