3
$\begingroup$

As far as I understand it, in recent years there has been a lot of progress on generalizations of classical deformation theory in characteristic 0 using tools such as simplicial deformation functors or ∞-categories, generalizing from characteristic 0 to positive characteristic and from deformations over local Artinian $k$-algebras to "derived" deformation functors, defined on DG analogs of Artinian $k$-algebras.

I have the following naive question about these generalizations.

Given a classical deformation problem in characteristic 0 (such as deformations of associative algebras or complex manifolds) "controlled" by a DG Lie or L algebra $L$, in the sense that the deformation functor attached to this deformation problem (defined on the category of local commutative Artinian $k$-algebras) is isomorphic to the deformation functor attached to $L$, to what extent does $L$ encode the "derived" deformation theory of the original deformation problem?

What would be the steps and obstructions to turning the classical deformation functor associated to $L$ (from local commutative Artinian $k$-algebras to sets, say) into a "suped-up" version — for example as functor from the ∞-category of Artinian $\mathbb E_\infty$-algebras to the ∞-category of spaces as in Lurie's formulation of derived deformation theory?

$\endgroup$

1 Answer 1

3
$\begingroup$

Once you have your DGLA $L$, the simplest description is consider the functor from commutative dg Artinian local $k$-algebras $A= k \oplus \mathfrak{m}_A$ in non-positive cochain degrees to simplicial sets given by Hinich's simplicial nerve. Explicitly, in simplicial level $n$, you take Maurer-Cartan elements $\mathrm{MC}(L\otimes \mathfrak{m}_A \otimes \Omega^{\bullet}(\Delta^n))$. In particular, the DGLA completely determines a derived deformation functor.

Since the $\infty$-categories of connective Artinian local $E_{\infty}$-algebras and of cdgas as above are equivalent, this suffices to give a functor in Lurie's setup. Beware that the derived deformation functor is highly dependent on the choice of $L$, and is not determined by the classical deformation functor alone.

For the detailed description of this functor, see section 8 of Hinich https://arxiv.org/abs/math/9812034 . For the original proof that all simplicial derived deformation functors arise in this way, see https://arxiv.org/abs/0705.0344 or the notes on derived deformation theory here http://blog.poormansmath.net/lecture-notes/ ; another summary appears in https://ncatlab.org/nlab/show/model+structure+for+L-infinity+algebras .

If you're looking at Lurie's stuff, beware that it isn't as original as he first thought in his ICM address - see for instance Remark 0.0.14 of DAG X.

$\endgroup$
2
  • $\begingroup$ Thank you for your answer! Could you say a few more words about "Beware that the derived deformation functor is highly dependent on the choice of $L$, and is not determined by the classical deformation functor alone."? Given two equivalent classical moduli problems which are controlled by two L∞-quasi-isomorphic DG Lie or L∞ algebras, how do the corresponding derived deformation functors compare? $\endgroup$
    – Earthliŋ
    May 16, 2021 at 18:16
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ If the $L_{\infty}$-algebras are $L_{\infty}$-quasi-isomorphic, then the derived deformation functors are equivalent. However, there can be more than one (non-quasi-isomorphic) natural DGLA governing a classical deformation problem; see for instance Ciocan-Fontanine and Kapranov's papers on the derived Hilbert and Quot schemes. $\endgroup$ May 16, 2021 at 22:29

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.