$p$-adic L-functions via local-global interpolation: the case of ${\rm GL}_2 \times {\rm GU}(1)$

Abstract: Let $F$ be a totally real field and let $E/F$ be a CM quadratic extension. We construct a $p$-adic $L$-function attached to Hida families for the group ${\rm GL}{2/F}\times {\rm Res}{E/F}{\rm GL}_{1}$. It is characterised by an exact interpolation property for critical Rankin-Selberg $L$-values, at classical points corresponding to representations $\pi \boxtimes \chi$ with the weights of $\chi$ smaller than the weights of$\pi$. Our $p$-adic $L$-function agrees with previous results of Hida when $E/F$ splits above $p$ or $F=\mathbf{Q}$, and it is new otherwise. Exploring a method that should bear further fruits, we build it as a ratio of families of global and local Waldspurger zeta integrals, the latter constructed using the local Langlands correspondence in families. In an appendix of possibly independent recreational interest, we give a reality-TV-inspired proof of an identity concerning double factorials.