Special values of derivatives of certain $L$-functions

Abstract

In this paper we address the question of non-vanishing of $L^{\prime }(0,f)$ where $f$ is an algebraic valued periodic function. In 2011, Gun, Murty and Rath studied the nature of special values of the derivatives of even Dirichlet-type functions and proved that it can be either zero or transcendental. Here for some special cases we characterize the set of functions for which $L^{\prime }(0,f)$ is zero or transcendental. Using a theorem of Ramachandra about multiplicative independence of cyclotomic units we also provide some non-trivial examples of functions where $L^{\prime }(0,f)$ is zero. Finally, assuming Schanuel's conjecture we derive the algebraic independence of special values of derivatives of $L$-functions.

12 pages