The algebra of discrete torsion. (Q1888812)

\(G\)-Frobenius algebras were introduced by the author to explain the algebraic structure replacing Frobenius algebras when dealing with global group quotients by the action of a finite group \(G\) (global orbifolds), quantum cohomology of global quotients, K-theory or local rings of singularities. It is shown in this paper that \(G\)-Frobenius algebras are modules over the Drinfeld double of the group ring \(k[G]\), and moreover \(k[G]\)-(co)module algebras. The main topic of this paper is discrete torsion, which is approached by considering transformations on the multiplication and the \(G\)-action which map one \(G\)-Frobenius algebra into a projectively equivalent one. These transformations, also called twists, are parametrized by \(Z^2(G,k^*)\). A group action of \(Z^2(G,k^*)\) on the set of \(G\)-Frobenius algebras arises naturally, therefore realizing discrete torsion for the first time as a group action.