The field of iterates of a rational function

Abstract

We study how the field of definition of a rational function changes under iteration. We provide a complete classification of polynomials with the property that the field of definition of one of their iterates drops in degree (over a given base field). We show with families of examples that this characterization does not hold for rational functions. Finally, we also classify fractional linear transformations with this property.

arXiv comment15 pages