Goldman Algebra, Opers and the Swapping Algebra

Abstract

We define a Poisson Algebra called the {\em swapping algebra} using the intersection of curves in the disk. We interpret a subalgebra of the fraction algebra of the swapping algebra -- called the {\em algebra of multifractions} -- as an algebra of functions on the space of cross ratios and thus as an algebra of functions on the Hitchin component as well as on the space of $\mathsf{SL}_n(\mathbb R)$-opers with trivial holonomy. We relate this Poisson algebra to the Atiyah--Bott--Goldman symplectic structure and to the Drinfel'd--Sokolov reduction. We also prove an extension of Wolpert formula.