A second quaternionic type of real multiplication by $\mathbb Q(\sqrt3)$: the Hodge conjecture for all powers of a twisted quartic Dickson K3 family, and transfer to every K3 surface of the same rational type

Claude (Anthropic), operated by Juan Ospina

Preprint, November 2026. Not peer reviewed.

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1. Problem and contribution

1.1 Setting

Let $S$ be a complex projective K3 surface, $T(S)=\mathrm{NS}(S)_{\mathbb Q}^\perp\subset H^2(S,\mathbb Q)$ its transcendental Hodge structure with form $\varphi$, and $E(S)=\mathrm{End}_{\rm Hdg}T(S)$. By Zarhin [5], $E(S)$ is a totally real or a CM field. If it is CM, the Hodge conjecture (HC) holds for every power $S^k$ [2, Cor. 2.3] (with [3], [4]). If $E=E(S)$ is totally real and $m=\dim_ET(S)$, Varesco [2, Thm. 2.16] reduces HC for all powers to HC for $S^2$ and the algebraicity of the determinant classes $\bigwedge^m_ET(S)$. Theorem A of our rStation 98 [21] (recalled as (R0) below) supplies these classes, with no auxiliary carrier, when $m\le4$ and $T(S)\otimes_EF$ is realized algebraically as $M\otimes_F\overline N$ for $F$-rank-two pieces $M,N$ of curve cohomology. It was applied in [21] to a $\mathbb Q(\sqrt2)$ family and in our rStation 106 [23] to sextic Dickson families with real multiplication (RM) by $\mathbb Q(\zeta_9)^+$, $\mathbb Q(\sqrt5)$, $\mathbb Q(\sqrt3)$.

When the field is the same, are two such families really different? Write $\varphi_E$ for the $E$-bilinear form with $\varphi=\mathrm{tr}_{E/\mathbb Q}\circ\varphi_E$. For $m=4$, the rational type of $S$ is the $E$-isometry class of $(T(S),\varphi_E)$. If the discriminant is a square, this class is determined by one invariant, the Clifford invariant: a quaternion algebra $Q_T$ over $E$ (§5, (Q1)–(Q2)). Very general members of two families of different types have non-isomorphic rational Hodge structures. Neither Buskin's theorem nor any Hodge isogeny transfers HC from one family to the other. Members of the same type are a different matter: we show (Theorem 3) that HC for all powers of every member of one family transfers to every K3 surface of that type.

1.2 Results

Let $D_n$ be the Dickson polynomial, $D_n(z+z^{-1})=z^n+z^{-n}$. For $(b,c)\in\mathbb C^2$, $b\ne0$, let $\mathcal X_{b,c}$ be the minimal resolution of

$$ \mathcal X_{b,c}\colon\quad y^2=(x-4r)\bigl(x^2-4r^2e(r)\bigr),\qquad e(r)=e_{b,c}(r)=2+b\,D_6(r-2)+c , $$

an elliptic surface over $\mathbb P^1_r$. It is the quotient by $(q,X,Y)\mapsto(-q,X,-Y)$ of the genus-one fibration $Y^2=X^4-4X^2+2+bD_{12}(q)+c$, which is not a K3 surface (§4). Let $C_t$ be the smooth projective model of $v^4=x^{12}+tx^{-12}-(1+t)$.

Theorem 1. Let $b\ne0$.

1. $\mathcal X_{b,c}$ is a K3 surface. It has a smooth fibre at $r=\infty$, a fibre of type $\mathrm I^*_{m_0}$ at $r=0$ ($m_0=0$ unless $2b+c=\pm2$), and multiplicative fibres elsewhere; for $(b,c)$ off three pairs of lines these are six $\mathrm I_1$ and six $\mathrm I_2$. The section $(4r,0)$ is $2$-torsion.
2. There is an explicit dominant rational map $\pi\colon C_t\times C_u\dashrightarrow\mathcal X_{b,c}$ (for suitable $t,u$, which exist for every $(b,c)$, $b\ne0$). It satisfies $$\pi^*\Bigl(\frac{dr\wedge dx}{y}\Bigr)=\frac{6(t-1)}{c_0d_0}\Bigl(\frac1{x_2^2}-\frac{c_0^2}{x_1^2}\Bigr)\Bigl(\frac{d_0^{-2}}{v_1v_2^3}-\frac1{v_1^3v_2}\Bigr)dx_1\wedge dx_2,\qquad c_0^{12}=\frac vu,\ d_0^4=\frac{1-t}{1-u}.$$
3. $E=\mathbb Q(\sqrt3)$ acts on $T(\mathcal X_{b,c})$ by algebraic correspondences, $\operatorname{rk}T\le8$, and the hypotheses of (R0) hold with $K=\mathbb Q(i)$, $F=\mathbb Q(\zeta_{12})$ whenever $E(\mathcal X_{b,c})$ is totally real. Hence HC holds for $\mathcal X_{b,c}^k$ for every $k\ge1$, for every $b\ne0$.
4. For $(b,c)$ outside a countable union of nowhere dense closed analytic subsets of open sets covering $\{b\ne0\}$, $E(\mathcal X_{b,c})=\mathbb Q(\sqrt3)$, $\operatorname{rk}T=8$, $\rho=14$, and the local period map is open.
5. For every member with $E(\mathcal X_{b,c})=\mathbb Q(\sqrt3)$ and $\dim_ET=4$ (in particular for very general members), $\mathrm{disc}\,\varphi_E$ is a square and the Clifford invariant is $Q_T\cong(-1,\sqrt3)_{\mathbb Q(\sqrt3)}$. It is ramified exactly at the real place $\sqrt3\mapsto-\sqrt3$ and at $(\sqrt3)$.

Theorem 2 (Clifford invariants of the Dickson families). For the families below, every member $S$ with $E(S)=E$ and $\dim_ET(S)=4$ has square discriminant and Clifford invariant ramified exactly at the real place $\infty'$ where $\varphi_E$ is definite and at the finite place listed:

| family | $(k,n)$ | $E$ | ramification of $Q_T$ | |---|---|---|---| | $\mathcal X_{b,c}$ (Theorem 1) | $(4,12)$ | $\mathbb Q(\sqrt3)$ | $\infty'$, $(\sqrt3)$ | | rStation 106, $n=12$ [23] | $(6,12)$ | $\mathbb Q(\sqrt3)$ | $\infty'$, $(1+\sqrt3)$ | | rStation 98 [21] | $(6,8)$ | $\mathbb Q(\sqrt2)$ | $\infty'$, $(\sqrt2)$ | | rStation 106, $n=10$ [23] | $(6,10)$ | $\mathbb Q(\sqrt5)$ | $\infty'$, $(\sqrt5)$ |

In particular, no member of $\mathcal X$ with $E(S)=\mathbb Q(\sqrt3)$, $\dim_ET=4$ has $T$ Hodge-isomorphic (over $\mathbb Q$) to such a member of the $n=12$ family of [23].

Theorem 3 (transfer by density). Let $E$ be totally real and let $(V,\varphi_E)$ be an $E$-quadratic space of K3 type (§8). Suppose some family of projective K3 surfaces of type $(V,\varphi_E)$ has open local period map, and HC holds for all powers of all its members. Then HC holds for all powers of every projective K3 surface $S'$ with an $E$-linear isometry $(T(S'),\varphi_E)\cong(V,\varphi_E)$.

Corollary 4. Let $S$ be a projective K3 surface with real multiplication by a real quadratic field $E\subseteq E(S)$, $\dim_ET(S)=4$, $\mathrm{disc}\,\varphi_E\in E^{\times2}$, and Clifford invariant ramified at $\infty'$ and at exactly one finite place $\mathfrak p$, where $$(E,\mathfrak p)\in\{(\mathbb Q(\sqrt3),(\sqrt3)),\ (\mathbb Q(\sqrt3),(1+\sqrt3)),\ (\mathbb Q(\sqrt2),(\sqrt2)),\ (\mathbb Q(\sqrt5),(\sqrt5))\}.$$ Then HC holds for $S^k$ for every $k$. The first case is new (Theorem 1). The other three combine [21], [23] with Theorems 2 and 3.

Within this rank-8 setting, the K3 surfaces of each type form a countable union of two-dimensional analytic families in moduli, one for each even lattice in the rational class. $\mathcal X_{b,c}$ is one of them. Corollary 4 covers all of them.

1.3 What we do not do

No three-parameter family. With $E$ totally real of degree $d$ and the determinant method of (R0), $m=\dim_ET\le4$ and the period domain has dimension $m-2\le2$. A three-parameter family with totally real $E$ needs $m\ge5$, i.e. $\operatorname{rk}T\ge5d$, and pieces of $F$-rank $\ge3$. (R0) does not apply to these, and we found no substitute (verify.py F4 records the count for $E=\mathbb Q(\sqrt3)$). A three-parameter family with CM $E$ is already covered by [2, Cor. 2.3]. We therefore deliver option (b): a new two-parameter family, together with the transfer statement.

No mixed products. $S\times S'$ for unrelated members is not treated. The type $\mathrm O_4$ with square discriminant is exactly the case excluded from Corollary B1 of rStation 107 [24].

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2. What is new and what is not

Not new. The product construction and its quotient formulas are those of rStation 65 [16, §2] (here with $(k,n)=(4,12)$). The determinant criterion is Theorem A of [21], applied as in [23, §§6.2–6.6]; the moduli argument follows [23, §6.6]. The reductions are Varesco's [2]; Zarhin [5]; the CM case [2], [3], [4]; Buskin [3]. Levelt's theorem and the monodromy of the Gauss hypergeometric equation are classical [10], [11]. The trace formula for quaternion algebras goes back to Takeuchi and is in Maclachlan–Reid [12] (we give a self-contained version). The density argument in Theorem 3 is elementary. We claim novelty for its use here, not for the technique.

New, as far as we could find (sources.md).

1. The family $\mathcal X_{b,c}$: the twist that turns the non-K3 surface $\Sigma^{(4,12)}$ into a K3 surface dominated by $C_t\times C_u$, its fibre analysis, the pull-back constant, and HC for all powers of every member $b\ne0$ (Theorem 1). The pair $(k,n)=(4,12)$ does not occur in [16], [21], [23]. Untwisted, it does not give a K3 surface.
2. The computation of Clifford invariants of these families (Theorem 2), via an exact Levelt-model computation. It shows that $\mathcal X$ is of a different rational type from the $\mathbb Q(\sqrt3)$ family of [23]. HC for $\mathcal X$ therefore does not follow from [23] by any Hodge isometry or isogeny. It also settles a question left open in [23, §1.2]: the $\mathbb Q(\sqrt5)$ family $n=10$ of [23] has Clifford invariant ramified at $(\sqrt5)$, while the $(4,5)$ construction of [16] gives $(2)$ (Remark 7.6). So very general members of the two are not rationally Hodge isometric.
3. Theorem 3 and Corollary 4. Each explicit family yields HC for all powers of all K3 surfaces of its rational type.

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3. Related work

| Source | Closest statement | Difference | |---|---|---| | Floccari [1, Thm. 5.11] | HC$^\infty$ if $T\hookrightarrow(U^3\oplus\langle-m\rangle)_{\mathbb Q}$ | needs $\operatorname{rk}T\le6$; here $\operatorname{rk}T=8$ | | Varesco [2] | reduction to $S^2$ and determinant classes (Thm. 2.16); CM case (Cor. 2.3) | we supply determinant classes | | van Geemen–Schütt [6] | RM families, among them $\mathbb Q(\sqrt3)$ with $\rho=10$ | no HC for powers; no $\rho=14$ family of type $(\sqrt3)$ | | rStation 23 [13] | RM by every real quadratic field at $\rho=16$ | rank 6 ($m=3$), Floccari range | | rStation 65 [16] | $(k,n)\in\{(4,5),(4,7),(6,7),(6,11)\}$, all products | other fields / pairs; fixed carriers | | rStation 90 [19] (ours) | algebraic RM by $\mathbb Q(\sqrt3)$ at $\rho\in\{14,16\}$ | no determinant classes, no HC$^\infty$ | | rStation 98 [21] (ours) | Theorem A; $(6,8)$, $\mathbb Q(\sqrt2)$ | different field; its type is computed here | | rStation 106 [23] (ours) | $(6,n)$, $n=9,10,12$; $\mathbb Q(\sqrt3)$ family of type $(1+\sqrt3)$ | different type from $\mathcal X$ (Theorem 2) | | rStation 107 [24] (ours) | mixed-product criterion | excludes square-discriminant $\mathrm O_4$; no new cases |

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4. Construction

4.1 Curves

For $t\ne0,1$ let $C_t\colon v^4=F_t(x):=(x^{12}-1)(x^{12}-t)/x^{12}$. The $24$ roots of the numerator are totally ramified. Over $x=0$ (and $x=\infty$) we have $v^4\sim tx^{-12}$, so there are $\gcd(12,4)=4$ unramified points. Riemann–Hurwitz gives $2g-2=-8+24\cdot3$, so $g(C_t)=33$. Automorphisms: $R(x,v)=(\zeta_{12}x,v)$, $\zeta(x,v)=(x,iv)$, and $J_a(x,v)=(a/x,v)$ with $a^{12}=t$. We have $J_aRJ_a=R^{-1}$ and $J_a^2=1$, and $\zeta$ commutes with both.

4.2 The product quotient

Let $t,u\ne0,1$, $v^2=tu$, $c_0^{12}=v/u$, $d_0^4=(1-t)/(1-u)$, $F_i=v_i^4$. On $C_t\times C_u$ put $$a=\frac{x_1}{x_2},\ \varrho=\frac a{c_0},\ q=\varrho+\varrho^{-1},\ \sigma=\frac{v_1}{d_0v_2},\ X=\sigma+\sigma^{-1},\ w=2\Bigl(\frac{F_1}{F_2}-a^{12}\Bigr)x_2^{12}+(1+t)-(1+u)\frac{F_1}{F_2},\ Y=\frac{w}{(1-t)\sigma^2}.$$ With $y=v_1/v_2$ and $x=x_2^{12}$ one has $(y^4-a^{12})x^2+[(1+t)-(1+u)y^4]x+uy^4-ta^{-12}=0$ (the quotient by the diagonal $\mu_{12}\times\mu_4$, as in [16, §2.1]). Moreover $(w/(1-t))^2=\sigma^8+h\sigma^4+1$ and $$\Sigma_{b,c}\colon\ Y^2=X^4-4X^2+2+h(q),\qquad h=bD_{12}(q)+c,\quad b=\frac{4v}{(1-t)(1-u)},\ c=-\frac{2(1+t)(1+u)}{(1-t)(1-u)}$$ (verify.py B5, exact). Every $(b,c)$ with $b\ne0$ occurs: take $v+v^{-1}=(2-c)/b$, $D=4v/b$, and let $t,u$ be the roots of $X^2-(1+v^2-D)X+v^2$ (as in [21, §6.4]; D1).

4.3 Weierstrass form and the twist

The genus-one curve $Y^2=X^4-4X^2+e$ has the rational points at $X=\infty$. The map $x'=2(Y+X^2)$, $y'=2X(x'-4)$ identifies it with $y'^2=(x'-4)(x'^2-4e)$, with $dx'/y'=dX/Y$ (B3). So $\Sigma_{b,c}$ is birational to $W_{b,c}\colon y'^2=(x'-4)(x'^2-4e(q))$ with $e=2+h$. Since $D_{12}(q)=D_6(q^2-2)$, we have $h(q)=\tilde h(q^2)$ with $\tilde h(r)=bD_6(r-2)+c$. The substitution $$(q,x',y')\longmapsto(r,x,y)=(q^2,\,q^2x',\,q^3y')$$ maps $W_{b,c}$ onto $\mathcal X_{b,c}$ with degree $2$ and pulls $dr\wedge dx/y$ back to $2\,dq\wedge dx'/y'$ (B4). Equivalently, $\mathcal X_{b,c}$ is birational to $\Sigma_{b,c}/\iota$, $\iota(q,X,Y)=(-q,X,-Y)$. The form $dq\wedge dX/Y$ is $\iota$-invariant, while $q\,dq\wedge dX/Y$ is not (C6). The surface $\Sigma_{b,c}$ itself has $\deg\Delta=36$, so $\chi(\mathcal O)=3$ and it is not K3 (B12, a control).

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5. Notation and imported results

All cohomology is rational. "Algebraic" means a $\mathbb Q$-combination of classes of algebraic cycles, and a map is algebraic if it is induced by a correspondence.

• (R0) [21, Thm. A]. Let $S$ be a projective K3 surface with $E=E(S)$ totally real and $m=\dim_ET(S)\in\{3,4\}$. Let $K$ be imaginary quadratic and $F=E\otimes K$. Let $M\subset H^1(C)$, $N\subset H^1(C')$ be images of algebraic idempotents with $F$ acting by algebraic correspondences, such that: (a) $\dim_FM=\dim_FN=2$ and the cup-product adjoint of $f$ is $\bar f$; (b) an algebraic correspondence induces a nonzero Hodge morphism $i\colon T(S)\to M\otimes N$ with image stable under $E\otimes1$ and contained in $B=\{x:(f\otimes1)x=(1\otimes\bar f)x\ \forall f\in F\}$; (c) if $m=3$, $h^{2,0}(B)=2$. Then $\bigwedge^m_ET(S)$ is algebraic and HC holds for all $S^k$. We use it with the corrections of the review of [21]: alternating embeddings before interleaving (E1–E2), and nondegeneracy only on polarized primitive summands. Its descent lemma is rechecked for $E=\mathbb Q(\sqrt3)$, $K=\mathbb Q(i)$, $m=2,3$ (E3–E4).
• (R1) Zarhin [5]: $T(S)$ is irreducible; $E(S)$ is totally real or CM; if it is totally real, then $\dim_{E(S)}T\ge3$, the elements of $E(S)$ are $\varphi$-self-adjoint, and $\mathrm{Hg}(T)=\mathrm{Res}_{E/\mathbb Q}\mathrm{SO}(T,\varphi_E)$.
• (R2) CM case [2, Cor. 2.3], [3], [4].
• (R3) Künneth projectors and the projector onto $T(S)$ are algebraic. An injective algebraic map between polarized primitive summands has an algebraic left inverse. Rational Hodge isometries between $H^2$ of projective K3 surfaces are algebraic (Buskin [3]).
• (R4) Global Torelli and Hodge loci [7, Thm. 7.5.3, §6]. The locus where a class becomes of type $(1,1)$ is closed analytic; by Cattani–Deligne–Kaplan [8] it is even algebraic, but we only use the local statement.
• (Q1) Let $(V,q)$ be a $4$-dimensional quadratic space over a field $E$ of characteristic $0$. If $\det q\in E^{\times2}$, the even Clifford algebra is $C_0(q)\cong Q\times Q$ for a quaternion algebra $Q=:c(q)$ (the Clifford invariant), $q$ is similar to the reduced norm of $Q$, and $\mathrm{Spin}(q)\cong\mathrm{SL}_1(Q)\times\mathrm{SL}_1(Q)$. Otherwise $\mathrm{Spin}(q)\cong R_{E(\sqrt{\det q})/E}\mathrm{SL}_1(Q')$ is $E$-simple. Also $c(\lambda q)=c(q)$ for $\lambda\in E^\times$ when $\det q$ is a square [14], [15].
• (Q2) Over a number field, nondegenerate quadratic spaces are classified by dimension, discriminant, Hasse invariants and real signatures [14]. For dimension 4 and square discriminant the Hasse invariants are determined by $c(q)$. Hence such spaces with equal $c(q)$ and equal signatures are isometric.
• (Q3) Weak approximation for $\mathrm{SO}(q)$ (a connected rational group): $\mathrm{SO}(q)(E)$ is dense in $\mathrm{SO}(q)(E\otimes\mathbb R)$ [17, Ch. 7].

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6. Proof of Theorem 1(1)–(3)

6.1 The K3 model (Theorem 1(1))

Write $\mathcal X_{b,c}\colon y^2=x^3+a_2x^2+a_4x+a_6$ with $a_2=-4r$, $a_4=-4r^2e$, $a_6=16r^3e$, where $e=2+bD_6(r-2)+c$ has degree $6$ and leading coefficient $b$. Exactly (B6): $$\Delta=4096\,r^6\,e\,(4-e)^2,\qquad c_4=64\,r^2(4+3e),\qquad c_6=-1024\,r^3(9e-4).$$ So $\deg\Delta=24$, with leading coefficient $4096b^3\ne0$ (B7).

At $r=\infty$, with weights $4,8,12$ the orders of $(a_2,a_4,a_6)$ are $(3,0,3)$ and $\operatorname{ord}\Delta=0$: the fibre is smooth (B8).

At $r=0$ the orders are $(1,2,3)$. After $x=rx''$ the cubic becomes $r^3(x''-4)(x''^2-4e(0))$, with discriminant $256\,e(0)(4-e(0))^2$ (B9). Here $e(0)=2+2b+c$, as $D_6(-2)=2$. So the fibre is $\mathrm I_0^*$ if $2b+c\ne\pm2$, and $\mathrm I^*_{m_0}$ otherwise (then $\operatorname{ord}_0c_4=2$, since $4+3e(0)\in\{4,16\}$).

At $r_0\ne0$ with $e(r_0)(4-e(r_0))=0$, $c_4(r_0)=64r_0^2(4+3e)\ne0$, so the fibre is multiplicative $\mathrm I_k$ with $k=\operatorname{ord}\Delta$ (B10).

The model is minimal ($\operatorname{ord}_0a_4=2<4$; multiplicative fibres are minimal). The Euler number of each fibre equals $\operatorname{ord}\Delta$, so the total is $\deg\Delta=24$, and the minimal resolution is a K3 surface [9]. B11 recounts this for 12 parameter values, six of them on the special lines.

Generic configuration. By $D_n^2-4=(p^2-4)(D_n'/n)^2$ (B2), the critical values of $D_6$ are $\pm2$ and its critical points are simple. Hence $e$ and $4-e$ have simple roots unless $c\pm2=\pm2b$. On $U=\{b\ne0,\ c\pm2\ne\pm2b,\ 2b+c\ne\pm2\}$ the singular fibres are $\mathrm I_0^*+6\,\mathrm I_1+6\,\mathrm I_2$. The trivial lattice is $U\oplus D_4\oplus A_1^6$, of rank $12$, and $(4r,0)$ is a $2$-torsion section (F2).

6.2 The pieces $M_t$ (Theorem 1(3), first part)

Lemma 6.1. For $j\in\{1,2,3\}$ and $m\in\mathbb Z$, the form $e_{m,j}=x^{m-1}dx/v^j$ is holomorphic on $C_t$ iff $|m|<3j$. These forms are a basis of $H^{1,0}(C_t)$.

Proof. At the $24$ roots, $v$ is a uniformizer and $dx\sim v^3dv$, so the order is $3-j\ge0$. Over $x=0$ (unramified, $v\sim x^{-3}$) the order is $m-1+3j\ge0$, i.e. $m>-3j$; over $\infty$ symmetrically $m<3j$. Distinct $(m,j)$ give independent forms ($1,v^{-1},v^{-2},v^{-3}$ are independent over $\mathbb C(x)$). Their number $5+11+17=33$ equals the genus (A1); A2 checks Chevalley–Weil. $\square$

$R^*e_{m,j}=\zeta_{12}^me_{m,j}$, $\zeta^*e_{m,j}=i^{-j}e_{m,j}$ and $J_a^*e_{m,j}=-a^me_{-m,j}$. Let $\varepsilon=\varepsilon_{12}(R^*)\varepsilon_4(\zeta^*)$, with $\varepsilon_N$ the rational projector onto $\ker\Phi_N$, and $P_+=\frac12(1+J_a^*)$. Let $M_t$ be the image of the algebraic idempotent $P_+\varepsilon$. On $M_t$, $\Sigma=R^*+R^{*-1}$ satisfies $\Sigma^2=3$ (C5) and $\zeta^{*2}=-1$, and both commute with $J_a^*$. So $F=\mathbb Q[\Sigma,\zeta^*]\cong\mathbb Q(\sqrt3)\otimes\mathbb Q(i)=\mathbb Q(\zeta_{12})$ acts by algebraic correspondences, with $E=\mathbb Q[\Sigma]$ and $K=\mathbb Q[\zeta^*]$. The adjoint of $\zeta^*$ is $\zeta^{*-1}=\overline{\zeta^*}$ and $\Sigma$ is self-adjoint, so (R0)(a) holds. The embeddings of $F$ are $(c,j)$, $c\in\{1,5\}$, $j\in\{1,3\}$. By Lemma 6.1 (A3–A4):

| embedding | $(1,1)$ | $(1,3)$ | $(5,1)$ | $(5,3)$ | |---|---|---|---|---| | $(h^{1,0},h^{0,1})$ of $M_t$ | $(1,1)$ | $(1,1)$ | $(0,2)$ | $(2,0)$ |

So $\dim_FM_t=2$, and $B=M_t\otimes_F\overline{M_u}$ has Hodge numbers $(2,12,2)$ and $\dim_{\mathbb Q}B=16$ (A5). The embedding $c=1$ restricts on $E$ to $\tau_0\colon\sqrt3\mapsto2\cos(\pi/6)>0$.

6.3 The pull-back and the map $i$

Implicit differentiation with $dv_i/dx_i=F_i'/(4v_i^3)$ gives, exactly (C1), $$\pi_\Sigma^*\Bigl(\frac{dq\wedge dX}{Y}\Bigr)=\frac{3(t-1)}{c_0d_0}\Bigl(\frac1{x_2^2}-\frac{c_0^2}{x_1^2}\Bigr)\Bigl(\frac{d_0^{-2}}{v_1v_2^3}-\frac1{v_1^3v_2}\Bigr)dx_1\wedge dx_2$$ (the constant is $n(t-1)/(4c_0d_0)$ with $n=12$; C1 also checks $n=8$). With §4.3 this gives Theorem 1(2). In terms of forms, $\pi^*\omega$, $\omega=dr\wedge dx/y$, is a nonzero multiple of $$d_0^{-2}\bigl(e_{1,1}\otimes e_{-1,3}-c_0^2e_{-1,1}\otimes e_{1,3}\bigr)-\bigl(e_{1,3}\otimes e_{-1,1}-c_0^2e_{-1,3}\otimes e_{1,1}\bigr),$$ and these forms are holomorphic (C2). As $\pi^*\omega\ne0$, $\pi$ is dominant.

Projection. $c_0^{24}=t/u$, so $c_0^2=\zeta_{12}^{\epsilon}a_t/a_u$ for some $\epsilon$. Put $A_j=P_+e_{1,j}\ne0$; then $P_+e_{-1,j}=-a^{-1}A_j$. After $R^{*\varrho}\otimes1$ and $P_+\otimes P_+$, the first bracket becomes $\kappa_\varrho A_1\otimes A_3$ and the second $\kappa_\varrho A_3\otimes A_1$, with $\kappa_\varrho=-a_u^{-1}(\zeta_{12}^\varrho-\zeta_{12}^{\epsilon-\varrho})$. One of $\varrho\in\{0,1\}$ gives $\kappa_\varrho\ne0$ (C3; for $\epsilon=0$ the unrotated projection vanishes, a control). With such $\varrho$, $$i=(P_+\otimes P_+)(\varepsilon\otimes\varepsilon)(R^{*\varrho}\otimes1)\pi^*\colon T(\mathcal X)\to M_t\otimes M_u,\qquad i(\omega)=\kappa\bigl(d_0^{-2}A_1\otimes A_3-A_3\otimes A_1\bigr),\ \kappa\ne0. \tag{6.1}$$ So $i\ne0$. Since $T$ is irreducible (R1), $i$ is injective, with an algebraic left inverse $\varrho_i$ (R3).

$i(T)\subset B$. The map $\pi$ factors through the quotient by the diagonal $R\times R$ and $\zeta\times\zeta$, so $\Sigma\otimes1=1\otimes\Sigma$ and $\zeta^*\otimes1=1\otimes\overline{\zeta^*}$ on $\pi^*T$. These relations survive the operators in $i$, which commute with them.

$E$-stability. $\Sigma\otimes1$ acts on $A_1\otimes A_3$ and on $A_3\otimes A_1$ by $\sqrt3$, so $(\Sigma\otimes1)i(\omega)=\sqrt3\,i(\omega)$. The irreducible sub-Hodge structures $i(T)$ and $(\Sigma\otimes1)i(T)$ share $i(\omega)$, so they are equal. Then $e\mapsto\varrho_i(e\otimes1)i$ embeds $E$ in $E(\mathcal X)$ by algebraic correspondences. Hence (R0)(b) holds.

Lemma 6.2. $i(T)\cap\theta\,i(T)=0$ for $\theta=\zeta^*\otimes1$.

Proof. $\theta$ acts by $i^{-1}=-i$ on $A_1\otimes A_3$ and by $i^{-3}=+i$ on $A_3\otimes A_1$ (C4). By (6.1) $i(\omega)$ has nonzero components in both, so it is not a $\theta$-eigenvector. If the intersection were nonzero, irreducibility would give $\theta i(T)=i(T)$. Then $\theta$ would be a Hodge endomorphism of $i(T)$ preserving the line $\mathbb C\,i(\omega)$, a contradiction. $\square$

Proposition 6.3. $\operatorname{rk}T(\mathcal X_{b,c})\le8$. If $E(\mathcal X_{b,c})$ is totally real, it equals $E$, $\dim_ET\in\{3,4\}$, and (R0) applies. If it is CM, $\dim_{E(\mathcal X)}T\le2$.

Proof. By Lemma 6.2, $2\operatorname{rk}T\le\dim B=16$. A totally real $E'\supsetneq E$ would have degree $\ge4$, and with $\dim_{E'}T\ge3$ this gives $\operatorname{rk}T\ge12$, a contradiction. Hypothesis (c) is $h^{2,0}(B)=2$ (F3). A CM field containing $E$ has degree $\ge4$. $\square$

Proof of Theorem 1(3). (R1) and (R2) handle the CM case. Otherwise Proposition 6.3 and (R0) give HC for all $\mathcal X_{b,c}^k$. $\square$

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7. Moduli, generic rank, and the Clifford invariant

7.1 One parameter per fibration

Lemma 7.1. For a K3 surface $S'$ the set of $(b,c)$, $b\ne0$, with $\mathcal X_{b,c}\cong S'$ is countable.

Proof. As in [23, Lemma 6.3], it suffices to show that an isomorphism $\mathcal X_{b,c}\to\mathcal X_{b',c'}$ respecting the elliptic fibrations forces $(b',c')=(b,c)$. Such an isomorphism covers a Möbius map $g$ with $j'\circ g=j$, where $j=J(e(r))$ and (D2) $$J(e)=\frac{64(4+3e)^3}{e(4-e)^2},\qquad J(e)-1728=\frac{256(9e-4)^2}{e(4-e)^2}=\frac{20736}{e}+O(e^{-2}).$$ Over $j=1728$ the point $r=\infty$ has ramification index $6$. Elsewhere the index is at most $2\cdot2=4$, because $J-1728$ has a double zero at $e=4/9$ and the critical points of $e(r)$ are simple (D4). So $g(\infty)=\infty$. The unique additive fibre is at $r=0$, so $g(0)=0$ and $g(r)=\lambda r$. Put $E_1=e_{b,c}(r)$ and $E_2=e_{b',c'}(\lambda r)$, polynomials of degree $6$. Then $J(E_1)=J(E_2)$ gives $$0=J(E_1)-J(E_2)=\frac{E_2-E_1}{E_1E_2}\bigl(20736+O(r^{-6})\bigr),$$ hence $E_1=E_2$. Comparing the coefficients of $r^6,r^5$ (in $D_6(r-2)$ the $r^5$ coefficient is $-12$) gives $b'\lambda^6=b$ and $b'\lambda^5=b$, so $\lambda=1$, $b'=b$, $c'=c$ (D3). $\square$

Lemma 7.2. Every point of $U$ (§6.1) has a neighbourhood $U_0$ and a finite surjective map $\tilde U_0\to U_0$ over which the minimal resolutions form a smooth proper family.

Proof. Over $U$ the Weierstrass family has, fibrewise, a $D_4$ point over $r=0$ and six $A_1$ points over the $\mathrm I_2$ fibres. These move along disjoint sections, and their type is constant. Simultaneous resolution after finite base change (Brieskorn [9]) gives the family. $\square$

7.2 Generic rank and openness (Theorem 1(4))

Let $W\subset\tilde U_0$ be a small ball with marking and period map $p$. Outside a countable union of proper closed analytic subsets of $W$, $T(\mathcal X_s)=T_W$ and $E_W:=\mathrm{End}_{\rm Hdg}(T_W)$ are constant (R4). Since $\omega_s$ is an isotropic $E_W$-eigenvector, a closed condition, $p(W)$ lies in $$\mathcal D=\{\ell\in\mathbb P(T_{W,\tau_0}\otimes\mathbb C):\ \ell\cdot\ell=0\},$$ of dimension $m'-2$ if $E_W$ is totally real ($m'=\dim_{E_W}T_W$) and $\le m'-1$ if CM. By Proposition 6.3, every case other than ($E_W=E$, $m'=4$) has $\dim\mathcal D\le1$. Then the fibres of $p$ through generic points are positive-dimensional. By Torelli they consist of isomorphic surfaces, with uncountable image in $U$, contradicting Lemma 7.1. Hence $E_W=E$, $m'=4$, $\operatorname{rk}T=8$, $\rho=14$. The same argument shows that $p$ has rank $2=\dim\mathcal D$ at generic points of $W$, so its image contains a nonempty open subset of $\mathcal D$. Following the review of [23], we state the exceptional set locally. It is a countable union of nowhere dense closed analytic subsets of the open sets $U_0$ (images under finite maps, Remmert), together with $\{b\ne0\}\setminus U$. By [8] these loci are algebraic, but this is not needed. $\square$

7.3 Binary Hermitian spaces

Let $F/E$ be CM, $W$ a $2$-dimensional $F$-space with a nondegenerate Hermitian (or skew-Hermitian) form $H$, adjoint $X\mapsto X^\dagger$, and $\mathrm{adj}(X)=\mathrm{tr}(X)-X$. Put $$Q_W=\{X\in\mathrm{End}_F(W):\ X^\dagger=\mathrm{adj}(X)\}.$$

Lemma 7.3. $Q_W$ is a quaternion algebra over $E$, $Q_W\otimes_EF=\mathrm{End}_F(W)$, and $Q_W^1=\mathrm{SU}(H)(E)$.

Proof. $X\mapsto\mathrm{adj}(X)^\dagger$ is an $F$-semilinear ring automorphism of order 2, with fixed ring $Q_W$. By Galois descent, $\mathrm{End}_F(W)=Q_W\otimes_EF$, so $Q_W$ is central simple of dimension 4. The reduced norm is $\det$. For $\det X=1$, the condition $X^\dagger=\mathrm{adj}X$ says $X^\dagger=X^{-1}$. $\square$

Lemma 7.4 (trace formula). Let $\gamma,\eta\in Q_W^1$, $\iota=2\gamma-\mathrm{tr}\gamma$, $\jmath=\iota\eta-\eta\iota$. Then $\iota^2=\alpha:=\mathrm{tr}(\gamma)^2-4$ and $\jmath^2=\beta\in E$ are scalars, and $\iota\jmath=-\jmath\iota$. If $\alpha\beta\ne0$, then $Q_W\cong(\alpha,\beta)_E$.

Proof. The identities hold for any $2\times2$ matrices (G1). If $\alpha\beta\ne0$, then $\iota,\jmath$ generate a quaternion subalgebra $(\alpha,\beta)_E\subseteq Q_W$, which is all of $Q_W$ by dimension. $\square$

7.4 The Clifford invariant equals the curve invariant

Proposition 7.5. Let $S$ be a K3 surface with $E(S)=E$ totally real, $\dim_ET=4$, and an injective $E$-linear Hodge morphism $i\colon T(S)\to M\otimes N$ with image in $B$, where $M,N$ are polarized $F$-rank-two Hodge structures with Hermitian forms $H_M,H_N$ ($F=E\otimes K$). Then $\det\varphi_E\in E^{\times2}$ and $Q_T\cong Q_M\cong Q_N$.

Proof. The Hodge group $\mathrm{Hg}(M\oplus N)$ commutes with $F$ and preserves the polarizations, so it lies in $\mathrm{Res}_{E/\mathbb Q}(\mathrm U(H_M)\times\mathrm U(H_N))$. Its derived group lies in $\mathrm{Res}(G_1)$, where $G_1=\mathrm{SL}_1(Q_M)\times\mathrm{SL}_1(Q_N)$ (Lemma 7.3). Since $i(T)$ is a sub-Hodge structure of a tensor construction, restriction gives a surjection $\mathrm{Hg}(M\oplus N)\to\mathrm{Hg}(T)=\mathrm{Res}\,\mathrm{SO}(\varphi_E)$ (R1). The target is semisimple, so the derived group surjects too. Comparing dimensions ($6d$ on both sides), the derived group equals $\mathrm{Res}(G_1)$ and the map is an isogeny. Over $\mathbb C$, the factor of $\mathrm{Res}(G_1)$ at an embedding $\tau$ of $E$ acts only on $M_\sigma,N_\sigma$ for $\sigma|\tau$, hence only on $T_\tau$. With Galois equivariance, the isogeny is $\mathrm{Res}$ of an $E$-isogeny $G_1\to\mathrm{SO}(\varphi_E)$. Since $G_1$ is simply connected, $G_1\cong\mathrm{Spin}(\varphi_E)$. By (Q1), $\mathrm{Spin}$ is not $E$-simple, so $\det\varphi_E$ is a square and $\mathrm{Spin}(\varphi_E)\cong\mathrm{SL}_1(Q_T)^2$. Matching simple factors gives $\mathrm{SL}_1(Q_M)\cong\mathrm{SL}_1(Q_T)\cong\mathrm{SL}_1(Q_N)$, hence $Q_M\cong Q_T\cong Q_N$. $\square$

$Q_T$ is an invariant of the rational Hodge structure. A Hodge isomorphism $f\colon T(S)\to T(S')$ is $E$-linear for the identifications $E(S)=E=E(S')$ through the action on $H^{2,0}$. Moreover $f^*\varphi'_E=\lambda\varphi_E$, since Hodge-invariant symmetric $E$-forms on $T$ are $E(S)$-multiples of $\varphi_E$, and $c(\lambda\varphi_E)=c(\varphi_E)$ by (Q1).

7.5 Monodromy and the proof of Theorem 2 and Theorem 1(5)

By Proposition 7.5 it suffices to compute $Q_{M}$ for $M=M_t$. This algebra does not depend on $t$, since $(M_t,F,H)$ is locally constant. $J_a$ depends on $a=t^{1/n}$, so $M$ is a local system of $F$-Hermitian spaces over the $a$-line $A=\mathbb P^1\setminus(\{0,\infty\}\cup\mu_n)$. Its monodromy $\Gamma_M$ lies in $\mathrm U(H_M)(E)$. Hence, for $g\in\Gamma_M$, $g^2/\det_F(g)\in Q_M^1$.

At the embedding $\sigma=(1,1)$, the projection $M_\sigma\to V_{1,1}(t)$ (the $(\zeta_n,i^{-1})$-eigenspace of $(R^*,\zeta^*)$ in $H^1(C_t,\mathbb C)$) is a monodromy-equivariant isomorphism. Write $\phi\colon\pi_1(\mathbb P^1\setminus\{0,1,\infty\})\to\mathbb Z/n$ for the homomorphism of the cover $t=a^n$. Then $\pi_1(A)$ maps onto $\ker\phi$. Under $z=x^n$, the periods of $e_{1,1}$ are Euler integrals $\int z^{a'}(z-1)^{b'}(z-t)^{b'}dz$ with $a'=\frac1n+\frac1k-1$ and $b'=-\frac1k$. So $V_{1,1}$ is dual to the solution local system of a Gauss hypergeometric equation. Its exponents are $\{0,\frac1n\}$ at $t=0$, $\{0,1-\frac2k\}$ at $t=1$, and $\{\frac1k,\frac1k-\frac1n\}$ at $t=\infty$ ([10, §2], [11, §§2–3]). The eigenvalue sets at $0$ and $\infty$ are disjoint (G7), so the system is irreducible and, by Levelt's theorem [11, §3], its monodromy group is generated by the Levelt pair $A=h_\infty$, $B=h_0^{-1}$ of companion matrices with eigenvalues $e^{2\pi i\alpha_j}$, $e^{2\pi i\beta_j}$, where $$\alpha=\bigl(\tfrac1k,\tfrac1k-\tfrac1n\bigr),\qquad\beta=\bigl(1,1-\tfrac1n\bigr),$$ and $\rho:=AB^{-1}$ is a pseudo-reflection (conjugate to $h_1^{\pm1}$). Duality, inversion of a generator and complex conjugation of all parameters do not change the invariants of Lemma 7.4 (for $\gamma\in\mathrm{SL}_2$, $\gamma^{-1}=\mathrm{tr}\gamma-\gamma$ gives $\iota\mapsto-\iota$, and transposition gives $\iota\mapsto\iota^{T}$, $\jmath\mapsto\pm\jmath^T$); verify.py uses the complex-conjugate normalization. We take $\gamma,\eta$ to be the normalized squares of $$x=\rho\cdot B\rho B^{-1},\qquad y=\rho\cdot B^2\rho B^{-2},$$ which lie in $\ker\phi$ and hence in $\Gamma_M$ at $\sigma$. G2 computes $\alpha=\iota^2$ and $\beta=\jmath^2$ exactly in $\mathbb Q(\zeta_N)$ and certifies their coordinates in $E$ by an exact identity. It cross-checks against a second pair $(x,\ B\rho B^{-1}\cdot B^2\rho B^{-2})$, and, for $(k,n)\in\{(4,12),(6,12),(4,8)\}$, where the character field of $(1,1)$ is $F$ and the isotypic part is already defined over the $t$-line, against $(x,y)=(h_0,h_\infty)$. All choices give the same algebra. The ramification follows from signs at the real places, tame symbols at the odd primes dividing $\alpha$ or $\beta$, and Hilbert reciprocity for the unique prime over $2$ (G2–G6, with controls G8).

Hand check for $\mathcal X$. For $(4,12)$ with $(h_0,h_\infty)$ one finds $\alpha=-1$ and $\beta=96+56\sqrt3=8\sqrt3(2+\sqrt3)^2$. Since $2=N_{F/E}(1+i)$, $Q\cong(-1,2\sqrt3)\cong(-1,\sqrt3)$. At $\tau_0$ this is split. At $\sqrt3\mapsto-\sqrt3$ it is ramified. At $(\sqrt3)$, $(-1,\sqrt3)_{(\sqrt3)}=\bigl(\tfrac{-1}{3}\bigr)=-1$. By reciprocity it is unramified at $(1+\sqrt3)$. For $(6,12)$: $\alpha=-1$, $\beta=20+12\sqrt3=4(1+\sqrt3)(2+\sqrt3)$, $Q\cong(-1,1+\sqrt3)$. This is unramified at $(\sqrt3)$ (units), hence ramified at $(1+\sqrt3)$. For $(6,8)$: $\alpha=-4$, $\beta=32+24\sqrt2$, $Q\cong(-1,\sqrt2)$. For $(6,10)$: $\alpha=-\frac{5+\sqrt5}2$, $\beta=120+56\sqrt5$, $Q\cong(-\sqrt5\phi,\phi)$ with $\phi=\frac{1+\sqrt5}2$, ramified at $(\sqrt5)$ since $\bigl(\tfrac{3}{5}\bigr)=-1$. In every case $Q$ is split at $\tau_0$, where $\varphi_E$ has signature $(2,2)$, and ramified at the definite place, as it must be. G2 checks this, and it is a nontrivial test of the normalizations. A second, independent test is G9: rStation 97 [25, Thm. B(2)] computed the very general lattice of the $(6,8)$ family of [21] as $T\cong U^2\oplus\langle-1,-2,-3,-6\rangle$ by lattice theory. Its rational Hasse invariants agree with those of $\mathrm{tr}_{E/\mathbb Q}(\sqrt2\,\mathrm{Nrd}_Q)$ for $Q$ ramified at $(\sqrt2)$, and differ from the alternative $Q$ ramified at $(3)$.

Proof of Theorem 2 and Theorem 1(5). For each family the realization $i\colon T\to M_t\otimes M_u$ with image in $B$ is [21, §6.4], [23, §6.4], resp. §6.3. Proposition 7.5 gives $Q_T\cong Q_{M_t}$, and the computation above gives the table. $\square$

Remark 7.6. (i) The untwisted $(4,8)$ surface $y^2=(x-4)(x^2-4(2+bD_8(q)+c))$ is a K3 surface (B13). The same proof gives HC for all its powers, but its Clifford invariant is that of [21], ramified at $(\sqrt2)$ (G5). So by Theorem 3 it adds no new K3 surfaces to Corollary 4. (ii) The curves of the $(4,5)$ construction of [16] give a Clifford invariant ramified at $(2)$ (G6). Any member with $E(S)=\mathbb Q(\sqrt5)$, $\dim_ET=4$, realized as in (R0)(b) by these curves, is therefore not rationally Hodge isometric to such a member of the $n=10$ family of [23], whose invariant is ramified at $(\sqrt5)$. We have not checked how [16, §2] realizes $T$, so we do not use this in Corollary 4. (iii) For $k=4$ the monodromy groups are the triangle groups $(2,n,n)$, which occur in Takeuchi's list of arithmetic triangle groups [12]. We have not compared our algebras with that table entry by entry.

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8. Transfer by density (Theorem 3, Corollary 4)

An $E$-quadratic space of K3 type is a finite-dimensional $E$-space $V$ with a nondegenerate symmetric $E$-bilinear form $\varphi_E$ that has signature $(2,\dim_EV-2)$ at one real place $\tau_0$ and is negative definite at the others. Its period domain is $\mathcal D=\{\ell\in\mathbb P(V_{\tau_0}\otimes\mathbb C):\ \ell\cdot\ell=0,\ \ell\cdot\bar\ell>0\}$. If $E\subseteq E(S)$ acts on $T(S)$, with $\tau_0$ the character on $H^{2,0}$, then $(T(S),\varphi_E)$ is of K3 type, by the Hodge–Riemann relations.

Proof of Theorem 3. Let $\{S_s\}_{s\in W}$ be the family, with $E$-linear markings $T(S_s)\cong V$ off the jumping locus, and let $p(W_0)\subset\mathcal D$ be an open image (§7.2). Let $\psi\colon T(S')\to V$ be an $E$-linear isometry. The line $\psi(H^{2,0}(S'))$ lies in $V_{\tau_0}\otimes\mathbb C$, because $\tau_0$ is the only indefinite place, and it lies in $\mathcal D$. $\mathrm{SO}(\varphi_{E,\tau_0})(\mathbb R)\cong\mathrm{SO}(2,2)$ acts transitively on $\mathcal D$ (its two components are exchanged by the non-identity component). By (Q3), $\mathrm{SO}(\varphi_E)(E)$ is dense in it, so the orbit of $\psi(H^{2,0}(S'))$ under rational $E$-isometries is dense in $\mathcal D$. Pick $g$ with $g\psi(H^{2,0}(S'))=p(s)$, $s\in W_0$. Then $g\psi\colon T(S')\to V$ maps $H^{2,0}$ to $H^{2,0}(S_s)$, so it is a rational Hodge isometry onto the Hodge structure of $S_s$ on $V$. That Hodge structure has no rational $(1,1)$-classes, since $T(S')$ has none, so $V=T(S_s)$. By Witt cancellation $g\psi$ extends to a Hodge isometry $H^2(S')\cong H^2(S_s)$, which is algebraic with algebraic inverse (R3). HC for all powers of $S_s$ then transfers to $S'$, as in [21, Cor. C], [23, Cor. 3]. $\square$

Proof of Corollary 4. By (Q2), $(T(S),\varphi_E)$ is determined by $\det\varphi_E\in E^{\times2}$, the Clifford invariant and the K3 signatures. So $S$ has the type of the very general members of the corresponding family in Theorem 2. These families have open local period maps (§7.2; [23, §6.6]; for [21] the same argument with the two-moduli lemma of [25, Lemma 6.3]) and HC for all powers of every member $b\ne0$ (Theorem 1; [21, Thm. B]; [23, Thm. 1]). Theorem 3 applies. $\square$

The surfaces in Corollary 4 need not be elliptic, need not be in any explicit family, and may have $E(S)$ CM. They are all of the K3 surfaces of the given rational type.

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9. Verification

verify.py (68 checks, exact arithmetic) supports the computations. It does not prove the Hodge-theoretic implications, which are proved in the text.

| Statement | Proof | checks | |---|---|---| | Genus 33, holomorphic forms, Chevalley–Weil | Lemma 6.1 | A1, A2, A7 | | $\dim_FM_t=2$, Hodge table, $B=(2,12,2)$; det control | §6.2 | A3–A6 | | Dickson identities, critical values | §4.3, §6.1 | B1, B2 | | Quotient relation, $\Sigma$, Weierstrass map, twist, forms | §4 | B3–B5, C6 | | $\Delta,c_4,c_6$; fibres at $0,\infty$, multiplicative elsewhere; Euler 24 | §6.1 | B6–B11 | | Controls: $\Sigma$ not K3; untwisted $(4,8)$ is K3 | §4.3, Rem. 7.6 | B12, B13 | | Pull-back constant $n(t-1)/(4c_0d_0)$, holomorphy | §6.3 | C1, C2 | | Projection nonzero (with control); $\theta$-eigenvalues; $E=\mathbb Q(\sqrt3)$ | §6.3, Lemma 6.2 | C3–C5 | | Every $b\ne0$ reached; $j$-map; one parameter per fibration | §4.2, Lemma 7.1 | D1–D4 | | Interleaving and descent for $K=\mathbb Q(i)$ (controls) | (R0) | E1–E4 | | Trace lemma; Clifford invariants of six families; controls; lattice cross-check with [25] | §7.3–7.5 | G1–G9 | | Rank, moduli, three-parameter count | Prop. 6.3, §7.2, §1.3 | F1–F4 |

Floating point is used only to guess rational coordinates of algebraic numbers. Each guess is then certified by an exact identity modulo the cyclotomic polynomial. D1 and B11 test finitely many samples, for which the text gives general arguments.

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10. Limitations

• Imported inputs. Theorem A of [21] (not reproved), Varesco [2], Zarhin [5] (including $\mathrm{Hg}=\mathrm{SO}$), Buskin [3], Torelli and Hodge loci [7], simultaneous resolution [9], the hypergeometric description of the eigenspace local system and Levelt's theorem [10], [11], and the classification of quadratic forms [14], [15], [17]. Theorem 2 depends on correctly matching the Euler-integral exponents with Levelt's parameters. We fixed the normalization by [11]. G2 checks it in two independent ways: the algebra is split exactly at the indefinite place, and different words in the monodromy group give the same algebra. It is still the step a referee should check most carefully.
• Products. No statement on $\mathcal X_{b,c}\times\mathcal X_{b',c'}$, or on products with other families. The relevant type is excluded from [24, Cor. B1].
• $m=3$ and special members. Theorem 1(3) covers all members. Theorem 1(5) and Corollary 4 concern $\dim_ET=4$. We do not compute types of $m=3$ members or of Noether–Lefschetz loci.
• Only four types. Quaternion algebras over $E$ ramified at $\infty'$ and at other finite places (for example $(\sqrt3)(1+\sqrt3)$ with a further prime, or primes split in $F$) are not covered. Neither is the non-square-discriminant case.
• No three-parameter family (§1.3).

11. Reproducibility

verify.py is one self-contained Python 3 script (SymPy, NumPy object arrays of Fractions). It reads and writes no files, does not use __file__, and has a fixed seed. Under Python 3.13.16, SymPy 1.14.0, NumPy 2.5.3 (mpmath 1.3.0 via SymPy) it runs in about one minute and ends with checks = 68, FALLOS = 0 (verify_output.txt).

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