Search arXivSearch

arXiv · 2203.05331

Algebraic cobordism via spans

Abstract

We define the algebraic cobordism of $\infty$-categories equipped with universal line bundle data as an initial oriented functor in the associated span category. In the standard motivic framework, this recovers the Thom spectrum model established by Voevodsky, Gepner, and Snaith. Furthermore, assuming that the $\infty$-category contains Grassmann objects of all ranks, we prove that the projective bundle formula and the corresponding Chern-class and Whitney-sum identities hold for any oriented functor satisfying the splitting principle property. We apply the span formalism to perfectoid geometry. For perfectoid algebras $R$ with tilt $R^\flat$, we construct perfectoid cobordism, prove tilting equivalences, and compare the arc-local and $v$-local $p$-adic theories.

Explore related subjects

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

Yuki Kato. 2026-05-18. Algebraic cobordism via spans. https://arxiv.org/abs/2203.05331

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related papers

Chromatic higher semiadditivity via redshift

We give a new proof of the $\infty$-semiadditivity of $K(n)$-local spectra. The proof proceeds by induction on the height via algebraic K-theory, utilizing recent advances in the redshift conjecture, instead of using the Ravenel-Wilson computation of the Morava K-theory of Eilenberg-MacLane spaces. Along the way, we prove the higher semiadditivity of $T(n)$-local modules over the $T(n)$-localized K-theory of $K(n-1)$-local ring spectra, which suffices for the applications of higher semiadditivity to the telescope conjecture.

math.AT

Geometric realization via unoriented bordism and a counterexample to Singer's conjecture for the sixth algebraic transfer

Let $\mathscr{A}$ be the mod-2 Steenrod algebra acting in the usual way on $P_q = \mathbb{F}_2[x_1, \ldots, x_q]$, and let $QP_q = \mathbb{F}_2 \otimes_{\mathscr{A}} P_q$. Singer's algebraic transfer $Tr_q$ sends the dual of $[(QP_q)_n]^{GL(q, \mathbb{F}_2)}$ to $\operatorname{Ext}_{\mathscr{A}}^{q,q+n}(\mathbb{F}_2,\mathbb{F}_2)$; Singer conjectured that $Tr_q$ is always injective. We disprove this nearly forty-year-old conjecture at rank $q=6$, degree $n=36$. Verifying this requires computing $[(QP_6)_{36}]^{GL(6, \mathbb{F}_2)}$ exactly; to handle the resulting combinatorial complexity, we build a new Julia package \texttt{AlgebraicTransfer.jl}, coupling modular invariant theory with bit-level linear algebra over $\mathbb{F}_2$ via Steenrod-hit reductions and Kameko homomorphisms. We prove this source space is two-dimensional, strictly exceeding the known one-dimensional target $\operatorname{Ext}_{\mathscr{A}}^{6,42}(\mathbb{F}_2,\mathbb{F}_2)$, so $Tr_6$ is not injective. We also interpret the transfer kernel geometrically via unoriented bordism: $Tr_q$ factors through bordism classes over $B(\mathbb{Z}/2)^q$ whose Thom images are primitive, characterized by the vanishing of all mixed Wu numbers. Thom's representability theorem guarantees closed $36$-manifolds realizing the homological duals of the source generators, yet we show that standard models (such as the indecomposable Milnor hypersurface $H_{4,33}$, projective products, and Dold manifolds) cannot represent them. We further interpret the inverse Kameko map via Thom spaces of universal real line bundles. Validated by recovering classical Dickson invariant dimensions, this work delivers both a counterexample to Singer's conjecture and a scalable methodology for the Peterson hit problem.

math.AT

Grothendieck-Teichmüller Symmetries of Cyclic Operads and Tangles

We identify the profinite Grothendieck-Teichmüller group $\widehat{\mathsf{GT}}$ with the group of homotopy automorphisms of the profinite completion of the cyclic operad of parenthesised ribbon braids. We transport this action to a profinite cyclic $\infty$-operad of framed configuration spaces. Using the metric prop associated to the cyclic ribbon-braid operad, we also obtain a $\widehat{\mathsf{GT}}$-action on a category of framed unoriented profinite tangles, and compare its prounipotent analogue with the action of Kassel and Turaev. Finally, the rational cyclic Grothendieck-Teichmüller action gives an alternative proof of the rational formality of the cyclic framed little-disks operad.

math.AT