Higher Lie theory

Abstract

We present a novel approach to the problem of integrating homotopy Lie algebras by representing the Maurer-Cartan space functor with a universal cosimplicial object. This recovers Getzler's original functor but allows us to prove the existence of additional, previously unknown, structures and properties. Namely, we introduce a well-behaved left adjoint functor, we establish functoriality with respect to infinity-morphisms, and we construct a coherent hierarchy of higher Baker-Campbell-Hausdorff formulas. Thanks to these tools, we are able to establish the most important results of higher Lie theory. We use the recent developments of the operadic calculus, which leads us to explicit tree-wise formulas at all stage. We conclude by applying this theory to rational homotopy theory: the left adjoint functor is shown to provide us with homotopy Lie algebra models for topological spaces which faithfully capture their rational homotopy type.