Odd Khovanov homology and higher representation theory

Léo Schelstraete; Pedro Vaz

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arXiv · 2311.14394

Odd Khovanov homology and higher representation theory

Léo Schelstraete·Pedro Vaz

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Abstract

We introduce a super analogue of $\mathfrak{gl}_2$-foams, and use it to define an invariant of oriented tangles, shown to coincide with odd Khovanov homology when restricted to links. We then define a supercategorification of the $q$-Schur algebra of level 2 and realize our construction as a certain super-2-representation. This gives a representation-theoretic construction of odd Khovanov homology, where signs naturally arise as a byproduct of the super-2-categorical structure. In the process, we define a tensor product for chain complexes in super-2-categories, suitably compatible with homotopies. This could be of independent interest.

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BibTeX RIS

Léo Schelstraete, Pedro Vaz. 2023-11-24. Odd Khovanov homology and higher representation theory. https://arxiv.org/abs/2311.14394

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