Questions tagged [at.algebraic-topology]
Homotopy theory, homological algebra, algebraic treatments of manifolds.
8,257
questions
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2
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Fundamental group of a generalized connected sum
Let $M$ and $N$ be two $n$ dimensional connected closed manifolds with $n \ge 3$, and let $S$ be a $(n-1)$ dimensional closed submanifold common to $M$ and $N$. Consider the connected sum of $M$ and $...
4
votes
2
answers
71
views
Euclidean algorithm for simple closed curves
In the proof of Proposition 6.2 in Farb & Margalit, "A primer on mapping class groups", an analog of the Euclidean algorithm is used to construct a simple, closed representative (...
4
votes
1
answer
188
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Is the wildness of 4-manifolds related to the diversity of their fundamental groups?
$n = 4$ is the smallest dimension such that the fundamental group of a closed $n$-manifold can be any finitely-presentable group (leading e.g. to various undecidability results stemming from the ...
19
votes
2
answers
1k
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Is there an ∞-categorical interpretation of the Quillen S⁻¹S construction?
The Quillen S⁻¹S construction (not to be confused with the Quillen Q-construction or the Quillen plus-construction),
as defined by Grayson in Higher algebraic K-theory: II (page 219),
takes as an ...
7
votes
1
answer
314
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Does there exist a Bousfield localization of the category of spectra which makes the sphere unbounded below?
Let $Sp$ be the category of spectra. Let $L : Sp \to Sp_L$ be the localization functor onto a reflective subcategory.
Question 1: Is it ever the case that $L(S^0)$ is not bounded below?
Question 2: ...
7
votes
0
answers
147
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Morphisms in cube category $\Box$ = Compositions of morphisms in simplex category $\Delta$?
Let $\Delta$ be the simplex category. For $m \leq c \leq n$, let $[m] \to [c] \to [n]$ be the composition of two injective morphisms in $\Delta$.
We now define a category $\Box$ with same objects as $\...
12
votes
5
answers
2k
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What are some good examples of spectral sequences which degenerate after the first nontrivial differential?
The difference between algebraic geometry and algebraic topology is that in AG, you usually hope that your spectral sequences degenerate immediately at the $E_2$ page. In AT, you often have to live ...
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86
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About the product of element of homotopy group [closed]
Why does the product coincide with the element naturally defined by oriented $S^2$ in https://arxiv.org/pdf/0801.3921.pdf page 29?
0
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3
answers
2k
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Identifying the orientation bundle uniquely
A nonorientable surface $S$ is homeomorphic to the $k$-th connected sum
$\mathbb{R}P^2 \sharp \ldots \sharp \mathbb{R}P^2$.
For each nonorientable surface $S$ there exists an oriented $2$-fold ...
7
votes
2
answers
177
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Cover the $n$-disc irredundantly with $n+1$ open sets. Suppose that the $(n+1)$-fold intersection is empty. Then is some $n$-fold intersection empty?
Cover the $n$-disc with $n+1$ open sets $D^n = U_0 \cup \dotsb \cup U_n$. Suppose that $U_0 \cap \dotsb \cap U_n = \emptyset$. Suppose moreover that the cover is irredundant in the sense that no ...
12
votes
0
answers
244
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Is there an analogue of Steenrod's problem for $p>2$?
An element $\alpha \in H_k(X; \mathbb{Z})$ is said to be realisable if there is a $k$-dimensional connected, closed, orientable $k$-dimensional submanifold $Y$ such that $\alpha = i_*[Y]$. The ...
1
vote
0
answers
44
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Necessary or sufficient conditions for the $k$-fold intersection to be empty in a covering with a "tree structure"
Consider a finite collection of $d$-dimensional balls $\mathfrak{B}=\{B_1,\ldots,B_n\}$ which cover a PL $d$-manifold $M$, i.e. $M=\bigcup_{i=1}^{n}B_i$. Suppose we want to compute the Euler ...
5
votes
1
answer
304
views
Linking number and intersection number
Consider a disjoint union of two circles $A$ and $B$ smoothly embedded in $\mathbb{R}^3$ with linking number more than $1$. Suppose we know that there exists a disc $D$ in $\mathbb{R}^3$ such that $\...
2
votes
2
answers
422
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Are Chern classes always vertical?
Let $c_k \in H^{2k}(M, \mathbb{Z})$ be the $k$-th Chern class of the tangent bundle of a Hermitian manifold $M$.
Is $c_k$ necessarily vertical, i.e.
$$
c_k = \sum_{i_1,\dots, i_{k}} \alpha_{i_1 \dots ...
1
vote
0
answers
78
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Reference request: Compact metrizable semilattices with small connected semilattices are absolute retracts
Let $X$ be a compact metrizable topological semilattice with a neighbourhood base of sub-semilattices that are path-connected. I need a reference for a proof that $X$ is an absolute retract.
Here is ...
0
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0
answers
71
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3-manifold is aspherical if fundamental group is not free and torsion-free
I was wondering if the following statement is true.
Let $M$ be a closed, 3-manifold such that $\pi_1(M)$ is not a free
group and $\pi_1(M)$ is torsion-free. Then $M$ must be aspherical.
My ideas: If ...
2
votes
0
answers
44
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Fundamental group of cyclic branched cover of affine plane
Let $f\in \mathbb{C}[x,y]$ be an irreducible polynomial. Let $n>0$ be an integer such that the hypersurface $S:=\{ (x,y,z)\in \mathbb{C}^3|z^n=f(x,y) \}$ is a connected complex submanifold of $\...
0
votes
1
answer
216
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Relationship between quotient CW-complexes after attaching cells
I have been trying to prove the following simple-looking result which I require for some work in low-dimensional topology. I expect it is likely true and in a textbook somewhere so any reference or ...
6
votes
1
answer
270
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Does a ring spectrum with even homotopy and even cells always have a polynomial algebra of homotopy groups?
Let $R$ be a spectrum. Assume that $R$ is bounded-below. Then we can “even-ify” $R$: cone off some generating set of the first nonvanishing odd-dimensional homotopy group of $R$. Do this repeatedly. ...
2
votes
1
answer
132
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Pullback morphism of a hyperplane inclusion is zero in the derived category
Let $L \subset \mathbb{C}^n$ be a hyperplane and let $i:L \to \mathbb{C}^n$ be the inclusion. Since $i$ is proper, we have induced maps $i^*: H^k_c(\mathbb{C}^n) \to H^k_c(L)$, and these maps are zero ...
7
votes
2
answers
880
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Cohomology of the classifying space of $Ss(4m)$
Let $Ss(4m)$ be the $Z/2Z$ quotient of $Spin(4m)$ which is not $SO(4m)$. (This group is sometimes called the semi-spin group.) Its $Z/2Z$ cohomology was determined e.g. by Baum and Browder MR article. ...
9
votes
1
answer
226
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Does the Atiyah-Hirzebruch spectral sequence for $E^\ast(X)$ collapse whenever $E$ is complex-oriented and $X$ has even cells?
Let $X$ be a (finite, say — or maybe of finite type) spectrum with even cells (in other words, $H_\ast(X;\mathbb Z)$ is free and concentrated in even degrees). Let $E^\ast$ be a complex-oriented ...
9
votes
1
answer
263
views
What is the center of Morava $K$-theory?
Let $E$ be an $E_1$ ring spectrum. Then I believe the center of $E$ is an $E_2$ ring spectrum over which $E$ is an $E_1$ algebra, given by the endomorphisms of $E$ as a bimodule over itself.
Question: ...
14
votes
1
answer
1k
views
What are the applications of Dowker's theorem?
Let $R \subset X \times Y$ be any relation between sets $X$ and $Y$. CH Dowker constructed two simplicial complexes $K$ and $L$ associated to $R$:
a simplex in $K$ is empty or consists of finitely ...
2
votes
0
answers
93
views
Whitehead lemma for simplicial Lie algebras
Let $R \to R'$ be a morphism of connected free simplicial Lie algebras. Then the analog of the Whitehead lemma states that if $\pi_* f_{\mathrm{ab}}$ is an isomorphism then $\pi_* f$ is an isomorphism....
8
votes
2
answers
543
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Derivations in the Steenrod algebra
Let $\mathcal A^\ast$ be the (mod 2) Steenrod algebra.
Question 1:
Is there a classification of homogeneous elements $D \in \mathcal A^n$ such that $D^2 = 0$?
Question 2: Is there a classification of ...
4
votes
1
answer
364
views
Equivariant K-theory for products of groups?
Let $X$ be a $(G \times H)$-space. What is known about the connection between the groups $K_G(X)$, $K_H(X)$ and $K_{G \times H}(X)$? The $G$ and $H$ action on $X$ come from the canonical inclusions $G ...
4
votes
0
answers
159
views
Obstruction to finding a Whitney disk
Let $p,q\geq 3$ be integers. Let $M$ be a compact oriented smooth $(p+q)$-manifold and $P$ and $Q$ compact submanifolds of dimensions $p$ and $q$ intersecting transversely. Assume that $M,P$ and $Q$ ...
2
votes
1
answer
284
views
homotopic to a constant map
Let $X$ and $Y$ be topological spaces and more precisely connected finite CW complexes.
Let $f\colon X \to Y$ be a continuous map such that there exist a second continuous map $F\colon X^3 \to Y$ and
$...
1
vote
0
answers
121
views
Stable homology of general linear groups
For what class of rings $R$, is the stable homology (with various choices of coefficients) of $GL_n(R)$ known? Borel computed it rationally for number rings, Quillen computed it for finite fields. Are ...
4
votes
1
answer
227
views
Comparing Kummer maps to étale homotopy at finite level
$\DeclareMathOperator\Mor{Mor}\DeclareMathOperator\Hom{Hom}\newcommand{\et}{\mathrm{et}}\newcommand{\top}{\mathrm{top}}$In Voevodsky's paper "Étale topologies of schemes over fields of finite ...
12
votes
1
answer
301
views
Approximate classifying space by boundaryless manifolds?
As pointed out by Achim Krause, any finite CW complex is homotopy equivalent to a manifold with boundary (by embedding into $\mathbb R^n$
and thickening), and so every finite type CW complex can be ...
7
votes
0
answers
173
views
Can Postnikov towers converge without Postnikov completeness?
In Higher Topos Theory, Lurie says that "Postnikov towers are convergent" in a presentable $\infty$-category $\mathcal{C}$ if $\mathcal{C}$ is equivalent to the $\infty$-category $\mathrm{...
8
votes
1
answer
679
views
Does there exist a GRR-like generalization of the AS Index Theorem?
The Hirzebruch Riemann-Roch Theorem (HRR) expresses an analytic/algebraic invariant, namely the Euler-Poincaré characteristic of a vector bundle $V$ over a compact complex/algebraic manifold $X$, as ...
5
votes
0
answers
97
views
Torus equivariant Morava K-theory
Let $X$ be a CW complex with a torus action $T$. Is there an established definition in equivariant stable homotopy theory of $T$-equivariant Morava K-theory, $K_p(n)^*_T(X)$? Any explicit references ...
12
votes
1
answer
435
views
Algebraic K-theory of a ring
I started to learn some algebraic $K$-theory and its relation to geometric topology problems.
My question is: What is the list of rings such that all their algebraic $K$-theory groups are known?
I ...
50
votes
6
answers
7k
views
Total spaces of $TS^2$ and $S^2 \times R^2$ not homeomorphic
Hello,
I'm looking for an invariant to distinguish the homeomorphism types of homotopy equivalent spaces. Specifically, how does one show that the total spaces of the tangent bundle to $S^2$ and the ...
5
votes
0
answers
98
views
Are there exotic examples of a Lie group up to coherent isotopy?
This question is based on attempting to construct the (homotopy type) of Lie groups using Cobordism Hypothesis style abstract nonsense.
There is an $\infty$-groupoid of smooth, framed manifolds where ...
3
votes
0
answers
218
views
What is the image of a smooth map? [migrated]
Let $f: S^2 \to \mathbb{R}^n$ be a smooth map from the two-dimensional sphere to euclidean space. Let $X = \mathrm{Im}(f) \subset \mathbb{R}^n$ be the image topological space (note: the quotient ...
16
votes
4
answers
2k
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Does the classification diagram localize a category with weak equivalences?
Let $(C,W)$ be a category equipped with a subcategory of weak equivalences. Its "classification diagram" or "bisimplicial nerve" $N(C,W)$ is a bisimplicial set, for which $N(C,W)_n$ is the nerve of ...
13
votes
1
answer
532
views
Identifying two definitions of orientation on a vector space
Let $V$ be an $n$-dimensional real vector space. Here are two definitions of an orientation on $V$:
A generator of the $1$-dimensional vector space $\wedge^n V$, up to multiplication by positive ...
3
votes
1
answer
128
views
(Derived category of) sheaves over an infinite union
The short version of my question is:
Suppose $X$ is a (reasonably nice) topological space such that $X = \bigcup_{n \ge 1} X_n$ for an increasing sequence of (closed) subspaces $X_1 \subset X_2 \...
3
votes
1
answer
758
views
Stacks and Maurer-Cartan elements
One can associate to any deformation problem a dg Lie or $L_{\infty}$-algebra $g$.
For instance, in algebraic deformation theory, let's say the deformation theory of algebras over a Koszul operad $P$, ...
1
vote
0
answers
142
views
An open ended question: The dual of a covering map? Is this a real thing?
Reposted from this Reddit post as I didn't get good answers there:
So I've been reading about the Galois theory of covering maps and been staring at this equation for way too long:
$$\left| \pi_1(X,...
2
votes
0
answers
108
views
Quasi-isomorphisms of P-algebras
In the paper "Homotopy algebras are homotopy algebras" from Markl a notion of strong homotopy morphism between strong homotopy P-algebras is defined. The author restricts to the case where $...
20
votes
1
answer
495
views
What is the group completion of finite sets with respect to cartesian product?
Let $\Sigma_+$ be the groupoid of finite pointed sets. The Barratt-Priddy-Quillen theorem tells us that the group completion of $\Sigma_+$ with respect to the symmetric monoidal structure given by ...
4
votes
0
answers
76
views
On the induction step in Theorem 2.6 of "Homological stability for linear groups" by Kallen
I am currently reading the proof of the connectivity theorem of Wilberd van der Kallen (Theorem 2.6 in https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF01390018) for a seminar talk. I am a little stuck on ...
-1
votes
0
answers
115
views
Prove a generalization of hairy-ball theorem
I found an interesting question below:
Prove that the 6-sphere admits no continuous field of tangent 3-planes.
10
votes
2
answers
738
views
Is cohomology with local coefficients a representable functor?
It is well known that the functor of cohomology is representable.
More precisely, given $n\ge1$ and abelian group $G$,
we have $H^n(X;G)\simeq[X,K(G,n)]$.
(Here we probably need some ``nice'' ...
-1
votes
2
answers
786
views
Definition for fundamental group (higher homotopy groups) for a category?
How to define homotopy groups in categories as in Quillen's definition for Higher algebraic K-theory: K_i(M)=\pi_{i+1}(BQM, 0), where M is a small category and BQM is the classifying space of QM. ...