A semi-canonical reduction for periods of Kontsevich–Zagier

Abstract

The [Formula: see text]-algebra of periods was introduced by Kontsevich and Zagier as complex numbers whose real and imaginary parts are values of absolutely convergent integrals of [Formula: see text]-rational functions over [Formula: see text]-semi-algebraic domains in [Formula: see text]. The Kontsevich–Zagier period conjecture affirms that any two different integral expressions of a given period are related by a finite sequence of transformations only using three rules respecting the rationality of the functions and domains: additions of integrals by integrands or domains, change of variables and Stokes formula. In this paper, we prove that every non-zero real period can be represented as the volume of a compact [Formula: see text]-semi-algebraic set obtained from any integral representation by an effective algorithm satisfying the rules allowed by the Kontsevich–Zagier period conjecture.