Real Wilson Spaces I
This is the first part in a series of papers establishing an equivariant analogue of Steve Wilson's theory of even spaces, including the fact that the spaces in the loop spectrum for complex cobordism are even.
math.AT↗
arXiv subjects
Michael J. Hopkins
Publications and source records attributed to Michael J. Hopkins.
Strictly commutative complex orientation theory
For a multiplicative cohomology theory E, complex orientations are in bijective correspondence with multiplicative natural transformations to E from complex bordism cohomology MU. If E is represented by a spectrum with a highly structured multiplication, we give an iterative process for lifting an orientation MU -> E to a map respecting this extra structure, based on work of Arone-Lesh. The space of strictly commutative orientations is the limit of an inverse tower of spaces parametrizing partial lifts; stage 1 corresponds to ordinary complex orientations, and lifting from stage (m-1) to stage m is governed by the existence of a orientation for a family of E-modules over a fixed base space F_m. When E is p-local, we can say more. We find that this tower only changes when m is a power of p, and if E is E(n)-local the tower is constant after stage p^n. Moreover, if the coefficient ring E^* is p-torsion free, the ability to lift from stage 1 to stage p is equivalent to a condition on the associated formal group law that was shown necessary by Ando.
math.AT↗
Equivariant symmetric monoidal structures
Building on structure observed in equivariant homotopy theory, we define an equivariant generalization of a symmetric monoidal category: a $G$-symmetric monoidal category. These record not only the symmetric monoidal products but also symmetric monoidal powers indexed by arbitrary finite $G$-sets. We then define $G$-commutative monoids to be the natural extension of ordinary commutative monoids to this new context. Using this machinery, we then describe when Bousfield localization in equivariant spectra preserves certain operadic algebra structures, and we explore the consequences of our definitions for categories of modules over a $G$-commutative monoid.
math.AT↗
The slice spectral sequence for the $C_{4}$ analog of real $K$-theory
We describe the slice spectral sequence of a 32-periodic $C_{4}$-spectrum $K_{[2]}$ related to the $C_{4}$ norm ${N_{C_{2}}^{C_{4}}MU_{\bf R}}$ of the real cobordism spectrum $MU_{\bf R}$. We will give it as a spectral sequence of Mackey functors converging to the graded Mackey functor $\underline{π}_{*}K_{[2]}$, complete with differentials and exotic extensions in the Mackey functor structure. The slice spectral sequence for the 8-periodic real $K$-theory spectrum $K_{\bf R}$ was first analyzed by Dugger. The $C_{8}$ analog of $K_{[2]}$ is 256-periodic and detects the Kervaire invariant classes $θ_{j}$ in the stable homotopy groups of spheres. A partial analysis of its slice spectral sequence led to the solution to the Kervaire invariant problem, namely the theorem that $θ_{j}$ does not exist for $j\geq 7$.
math.AT↗
The Slice Spectral Sequence for certain $RO(C_{p^n})$-graded Suspensions of $H\underline{\mathbb Z}$
We study the slice filtration and associated spectral sequence for a family of $RO(C_{p^{n}})$-graded suspensions of the Eilenberg-MacLane spectrum for the constant Mackey functor $\underline{\mathbb Z}$. Since $H\underline{\mathbb Z}$ is the zero slice of the sphere spectrum, this begins an analysis of how one can describe the slices of a suspension in terms of the original slices.
math.AT↗
On the non-existence of elements of Kervaire invariant one
We show that Kervaire invariant one elements in the homotopy groups of spheres exist only in dimensions at most 126. By Browder's Theorem, this means that smooth framed manifolds of Kervaire invariant one exist only in dimensions 2, 6, 14, 30, 62, and possibly 126. With the exception of dimension 126 this resolves a longstanding problem in algebraic topology.
math.AT↗
Hodge filtered complex bordism
We construct Hodge filtered cohomology groups for complex manifolds that combine the topological information of generalized cohomology theories with geometric data of Hodge filtered holomorphic forms. This theory provides a natural generalization of Deligne cohomology. For smooth complex algebraic varieties, we show that the theory satisfies a projective bundle formula and $\A^1$-homotopy invariance. Moreover, we obtain transfer maps along projective morphisms.
math.AT↗
An $\infty$-categorical approach to $R$-line bundles, $R$-module Thom spectra, and twisted $R$-homology
We develop a generalization of the theory of Thom spectra using the language of infinity categories. This treatment exposes the conceptual underpinnings of the Thom spectrum functor: we use a new model of parametrized spectra, and our definition is motivated by the geometric definition of Thom spectra of May-Sigurdsson. For an associative ring spectrum $R$, we associate a Thom spectrum to a map of infinity categories from the infinity groupoid of a space $X$ to the infinity category of free rank one $R$-modules, which we show is a model for $BGL_1 R$; we show that $BGL_1 R$ classifies homotopy sheaves of rank one $R$-modules, which we call $R$-line bundles. We use our $R$-module Thom spectrum to define the twisted $R$-homology and cohomology of an $R$-line bundle over a space $X$, classified by a map from $X$ to $BGL_1 R$, and we recover the generalized theory of orientations in this context. In order to compare this approach to the classical theory, we characterize the Thom spectrum functor axiomatically, from the perspective of Morita theory. An earlier version of this paper was part of arXiv:0810.4535.
math.AT↗
Units of ring spectra, orientations, and Thom spectra via rigid infinite loop space theory
We extend the theory of Thom spectra and the associated obstruction theory for orientations in order to support the construction of the string orientation of tmf, the spectrum of topological modular forms. We also develop the analogous theory of Thom spectra and orientations for associative ring spectra. Our work is based on a new model of the Thom spectrum as a derived smash product. An earlier version of this paper was part of arXiv:0810.4535.
math.AT↗
Equivariant Multiplicative Closure
This paper describes an issue that arises when inverting elements of the homotopy groups of an equivariant commutative ring. Equivariant commutative rings possess an enhanced multiplicative structure arising from the presence of "indexed products" (products indexed by a set with a non-trivial action of the group). The formation of the "multiplicative closure" of a set must be altered in order to accomodate this structure, and the result of localizing an equivariant commutative ring can have an unexpected homotopy type.
math.AT↗
Chern-Weil forms and abstract homotopy theory
We prove that Chern-Weil forms are the only natural differential forms associated to a connection on a principal G-bundle. We use the homotopy theory of simplicial sheaves on smooth manifolds to formulate the theorem and set up the proof. Other arguments come from classical invariant theory. We identify the Weil algebra as the de Rham complex of a specific simplicial sheaf, and similarly give a new interpretation of the Weil model in equivariant de Rham theory. There is an appendix proving a general theorem about set-theoretic transformations of polynomial functors. This paper is dedicated to the memory of Dan Quillen.
math.DG↗
Loop Groups and Twisted K-Theory II
This is the second in a series of papers investigating the relationship between the twisted equivariant K-theory of a compact Lie group G and the "Verlinde ring" of its loop group. We introduce the Dirac family of Fredholm operators associated to a positive energy representation of a loop group. It determines a map from isomorphism classes of representations to twisted K-theory, which we prove is an isomorphism if $G$ is connected with torsion-free fundamental group. We also introduce a Dirac family for finite dimensional representations of compact Lie groups; it is closely related to both the Kirillov correspondence and the equivariant Thom isomorphism. In Part III (math.AT/0312155) we extend the proof of our main theorem to arbitrary compact Lie groups G and provide supplements in various directions. In Part I (arXiv:0711.1906) we develop twisted equivariant K-theory and carry out some of the computations needed here. We refer to the announcements math.AT/0312155 and math.AT/0206237 for further expository material and motivation.
math.AT↗
Higher real K-theories and topological automorphic forms
Given a maximal finite subgroup G of the nth Morava stabilizer group at a prime p, we address the question: is the associated higher real K-theory EO_n a summand of the K(n)-localization of a TAF-spectrum associated to a unitary similitude group of type U(1,n-1)? We answer this question in the affirmative for p in {2, 3, 5, 7} and n = (p-1)p^{r-1} for a maximal finite subgroup containing an element of order p^r. We answer the question in the negative for all other odd primary cases. In all odd primary cases, we to give an explicit presentation of a global division algebra with involution in which the group G embeds unitarily.
math.AT↗
Units of ring spectra and Thom spectra
We review and extend the theory of Thom spectra and the associated obstruction theory for orientations. We recall (from May, Quinn, and Ray) that a commutative ring spectrum A has a spectrum of units gl(A). To a map of spectra f: b -> bgl(A), we associate a commutative A-algebra Thom spectrum Mf, which admits a commutative A-algebra map to R if and only if b -> bgl(A) -> bgl(R) is null. If A is an associative ring spectrum, then to a map of spaces f: B -> BGL(A) we associate an A-module Thom spectrum Mf, which admits an R-orientation if and only if B -> BGL(A) -> BGL(R) is null. We also note that BGL(A) classifies the twists of A-theory. We develop and compare two approaches to the theory of Thom spectra. The first involves a rigidified model of A-infinity and E-infinity spaces. Our second approach is via infinity categories. In order to compare these approaches to one another and to the classical theory, we characterize the Thom spectrum functor from the perspective of Morita theory.
math.AT↗
Topological Quantum Field Theories from Compact Lie Groups
It is a long-standing question to extend the definition of 3-dimensional Chern-Simons theory to one which associates values to 1-manifolds with boundary and to 0-manifolds. We provide a solution in case the gauge group is a torus. We also develop from different points of view an associated 4-dimensional invertible topological field theory which encodes the anomaly of Chern-Simons. Finite gauge groups are also revisited, and we describe a theory of "finite path integrals" as a general construction for a certain class of finite topological field theories. Topological pure gauge theories in lower dimension are presented as a warm-up.
math.AT↗
On the existence of a v_2^32-self map on M(1,4) at the prime 2
Let M(1) be the mod 2 Moore spectrum. J.F. Adams proved that M(1) admits a minimal v_1-self map v_1^4: Sigma^8 M(1) -> M(1). Let M(1,4) be the cofiber of this self-map. The purpose of this paper is to prove that M(1,4) admits a minimal v_2-self map of the form v_2^32: Sigma^192 M(1,4) -> M(1,4). The existence of this map implies the existence of many 192-periodic families of elements in the stable homotopy groups of spheres.
math.AT↗
Consistent Orientation of Moduli Spaces
We give an a priori construction of the two-dimensional reduction of three-dimensional quantum Chern-Simons theory. This reduction is a two-dimensional topological quantum field theory and so determines to a Frobenius ring, which here is the twisted equivariant K-theory of a compact Lie group. We construct the theory via correspondence diagrams of moduli spaces, which we "linearize" using complex K-theory. A key point in the construction is to consistently orient these moduli spaces to define pushforwards; the consistent orientation induces twistings of complex K-theory. The Madsen-Tillmann spectra play a crucial role.
math.AT↗
Loop groups and twisted K-theory I
This is the first in a series of papers investigating the relationship between the twisted equivariant K-theory of a compact Lie group G and the "Verlinde ring" of its loop group. In this paper we set up the foundations of twisted equivariant K-groups, and more generally twisted K-theory of groupoids. We establish enough basic properties to make effective computations. Using the Mayer-Vietoris spectral sequence we compute the twisted equivariant K-groups of a compact connected Lie group G with torsion free fundamental group. We relate this computation to the representation theory of the loop group at a level related to the twisting.
math.AT↗