Coxeter Lecture Series Shou-Wu Zhang, Columbia University Monday September 29, 2008 Tuesday September 30, 2008 Wednesday October 1, 2008 Audio of talks Periods, Heights, L-values In these talks, I will survey some recent progress on the special value (or derivative) formula for L-series in terms of period integrals (or heights) of cycles in algebraic varieties. I will also explain the applications of these formula on diophantine equations and equidistribution problem.

Professor Shou-Wu Zhang will deliver the Coxeter Lecture Series. The Fields Institute Coxeter Lecture Series (CLS) is intended to bring a leading international mathematician in the field of the thematic program of the Institute to give a series of three lectures. One talk will be an overview to a general mathematical audience including post-doctoral fellows and graduate students. The other two talks can target program participants in their choice of topic(s), in collaboration with the organizers of the related thematic program.