Formal kernel of a minimal Weierstrass equation ($E_1(K)\cong \hat{E}({\mathfrak{m}}_K)$)

For an elliptic curve over a local field with integral Minimal Weierstrass equation, let $E_0(K)$ consist of points with nonsingular reduction and let $E_1(K)$ be the kernel of $E_0(K)\to {\tilde{E}}_{\mathrm{ns}}(k)$. This definition also applies at a prime of bad reduction of an elliptic curve. The point at infinity is always smooth. With $t=-x/y$ and $w=-1/y$, the Weierstrass equation of an elliptic curve becomesThe unit linear coefficient in $w$ gives a unique integral formal power series $w(t)=t^3+O(t^4)$. Then $x=t/w$ and $y=-1/w$, so the nonidentity points of $E_1(K)$ have $v(x)=-2r$ and $v(y)=-3r$ for $r=v(t)>0$. The local parameter $t$ bijects $E_1(K)$ with ${\mathfrak{m}}_K$ and turns its addition into the formal group of an elliptic curve. At good reduction this agrees with the kernel of reduction of an elliptic curve.

A nonidentity rational point in the formal kernel of a minimal Weierstrass equation at two distinct primes has infinite order of a group element. Indeed, the prime-to-residue-characteristic multiplication on a formal group implies that a finite order in the kernel at $p$ must be a power of $p$. Membership in the kernel at a different prime $q$ also forces a power of $q$. The only common possibility is order one, contradicting nonidentity. For an integral model, negative valuations of the affine coordinates provide a convenient kernel-membership test.