Fix and let . We use the binary convention for the theta function with characteristics in the PDF. Its nonzero exponential prefactor does not change the zeros of the translated . The four characteristic functions are entire in , by normal convergence of their Gaussian series.
We first prove their zero information, rather than assume that the quotient has no poles. Pair the terms with indices and to get
The logarithmic derivative is periodic under and satisfies , by the spatial transformation formulas. Choose a fundamental parallelogram with zero-free boundary. Its vertical-side integrals cancel, and subtracting the top horizontal integral from the bottom one gives . The argument principle therefore counts exactly one zero inside, with multiplicity. Thus the displayed zero is simple and is the unique one modulo . The zeros of theta functions with characteristics are consequently
All are simple. In particular the three even theta constants are nonzero and .
Let be the product of these four functions divided by . The denominator's simple zeros occur exactly at the four half-periods modulo , and each is cancelled by the corresponding simple numerator zero. Hence extends to an entire function. Under , the four numerator signs multiply to one, as do the two successive shifts of the denominator. Under , the numerator has multiplier , where ; the denominator, whose argument shifts by , has the same multiplier. Thus is an entire elliptic function with periods . It is bounded on a fundamental parallelogram and hence on the plane, so Liouville's theorem makes it constant.
At , the simple odd zero gives . Therefore the Jacobi theta duplication identity is
At a zero of the displayed denominator, this is interpreted by removable continuation. Equivalently, multiply through by the denominator to obtain an entire product identity valid for every .