Linear law for the logarithms of the Riemann periods at simple critical zeta zeros

Each simple zero $\frac{1}{2}+i\gamma_n$ of the Riemann zeta function on the critical line with $\gamma_n > 0$ is a center for the flow $\dot{s}=\xi(s)$ of the Riemann xi function with an associated period $T_n$. It is shown that, as $\gamma_n \rightarrow\infty$,

$\log T_n\ge \frac{\pi}{4}\gamma_n+O(\log \gamma_n).$

Numerical evaluation leads to the conjecture that this inequality can be replaced by an equality. Assuming the Riemann Hypothesis and a zeta zero separation conjecture $\gamma_{n+1}-\gamma_n \gg \gamma_n^{-\theta}$ for some exponent $\theta>0$, we obtain the upper bound $\log T_n \ll \gamma^{2+\theta}_n$. Assuming a weakened form of a conjecture of Gonek, giving a bound for the reciprocal of the derivative of zeta at each zero, we obtain the expected upper bound for the periods so, conditionally, $\log T_n = \frac{\pi}{4}\gamma_n+O(\log \gamma_n)$. Indeed, this linear relationship is equivalent to the given weakened conjecture, which implies the zero separation conjecture, provided the exponent is sufficiently large. The frequencies corresponding to the periods relate to natural eigenvalues for the Hilbert-Polya conjecture. They may provide a goal for those seeking a self-adjoint operator related to the Riemann hypothesis.