Lattices, injective metrics and the $K(\pi,1)$ conjecture

Abstract

Starting with a lattice with an action of $\mathbb{Z}$ or $\mathbb{R}$, we build a Helly graph or an injective metric space. We deduce that the $\ell^\infty$ orthoscheme complex of any bounded graded lattice is injective. We also prove a Cartan-Hadamard result for locally injective metric spaces. We apply this to show that any Garside group or any FC type Artin group acts on an injective metric space and on a Helly graph. We also deduce that the natural piecewise $\ell^\infty$ metric on any Euclidean building of type $\tilde{A_n}$ extended, $\tilde{B_n}$, $\tilde{C_n}$ or $\tilde{D_n}$ is injective, and its thickening is a Helly graph. Concerning Artin groups of Euclidean types $\tilde{A_n}$ and $\tilde{C_n}$, we show that the natural piecewise $\ell^\infty$ metric on the Deligne complex is injective, the thickening is a Helly graph, and it admits a convex bicombing. This gives a metric proof of the $K(\pi,1)$ conjecture, as well as several other consequences usually known when the Deligne complex has a CAT(0) metric.