Geometric Proofs of Riemann-Type Theta Relations
We present a geometric method for deriving theta function identities from automorphisms of positive definite quadratic forms. Given an automorphism of a quadratic form with matrix $A$, we construct a rational isometry of $I_n\otimes A$ that fixes the diagonal subspace pointwise. Elementary lattice decompositions and finite character sums then yield explicit transformation formulas for the associated theta functions. As applications, we give a geometric proof of Schultz's generalization of the Borweins' cubic theta identity and recover two related quadratic theta identities.
Authors
- Sander Zwegers (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3800-5777)
Publication Details
- Journal
- arXiv (Cornell University)
- Published
- 2026-10-29
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.2610.40408
- Primary Topic
- Advanced Mathematical Identities
- Type
- preprint