Linear inequalities in primes

Abstract

In this paper we prove an asymptotic formula for the number of solutions in prime numbers to systems of simultaneous linear inequalities with algebraic coefficients. For $m$ simultaneous inequalities we require at least $m+2$ variables, improving upon existing methods, which generically require at least $2m+1$ variables. Our result also generalises the theorem of Green-Tao-Ziegler on linear equations in primes. Many of the methods presented apply for arbitrary coefficients, not just for algebraic coefficients, and we formulate a conjecture concerning the pseudorandomness of sieve weights which, if resolved, would remove the algebraicity assumption entirely.

71 pages. Minor corrections from version 1. Accepted for publication in Journal d'Analyse Mathématique