TITLE: Values of cusp forms at q = 1 ?
QUESTION [5 upvotes]: Take a cusp form $f$ and let $f(q) = q + a_2q^2 + q_3q^3 + \ldots$" denote its $q$-expansion (assume that the $a_k$ are integers, and that $f$ comes from an elliptic curve $E$). Of course the series $f(1) = 1 + a_2 + a_3 + \ldots$ diverges, but I wonder whether there is any work on evaluating $f(1)$ via some regularization method (I do not even know whether  $\lim_{q \to 1-0} f(q)$ exists or not). I am kind of hoping that $f(1)$ is connected with the order of the Tate-Shafarevich group of the associated elliptic curve $E$ and perhaps the order of its torsion group (the actual expression would have to be invariant under isogenies). 
Does this ring a bell with anyone?

REPLY [2 votes]: I'll give a slightly uncertain answer, based somewhat on my recollection of conversations with Zagier a month ago about similar questions.
If we were to imitate Euler, we might consider $f(1)$ as
$$f(1) = \sum_{n \geq 1} a_n = \sum_{n \geq 1} a_n n^{-0} = L(f,0).$$
So the analytic continuation of the L-function suggests that $f(1)$ should be identified with the value of the L-function at zero.  By the functional equation, this relates to the L-function at the right edge of the critical strip.
So, for a cusp form of weight two, arising from an elliptic curve $E$ over $Q$, the value $L(f,0)$ is related to $L(E,2)$.  An interpretation of this L-value, conjectured by Zagier, was proven by Goncharov and Levin, in "Zagier's conjecture on $L(E,2)$", Invent. Math. 132 (1998).
As for the analytic question, you are considering the "value" of a cusp form $f$ on the real axis, which bounds the upper half-plane.  Almost by definition, there is a Sato hyperfunction $f_{bdr}$ on the real axis, which describes this boundary behavior of the holomorphic function $f$ on the upper half-plane.  I am not sure if the following is published, but I have the impression that there might be a preprint now or soon which proves the following result:
At every (positive? I don't recall) rational number $q$, the hyperfunction $f_{bdr}$ is $C^\infty$ at $q$.  Its value at $1$ is $L(f,0)$ as described above.
I think that saying "a hyperfunction is $C^\infty$ at $q$" means that the hyperfunction can be expressed as the distributional derivative of a continuous function -- $f = g^{(k)}$ for some $k \geq 0$ -- and $g$ happens to be $C^\infty$ at $q$.  But I'm not much of an analyst.
I think that the value $f(1)$ also exists as $\lim_{z \rightarrow 1} f(z)$ limit, if $z$ approaches $1$ via a geodesic in the upper half-plane.
I don't think you'll see Sha or the torsion directly, as these appear at the central value $L(f,1)$.  On the other hand, I do think you'll find $L(f,-n)$ for all $n \geq 0$ (or equivalently, $L(f,2+n)$ ), by looking at the derivatives $f^{(n)}(1)$ of the boundary hyperfunction of $f$ at $1$.