Convolution of invariant distributions: proof of the Kashiwara-Vergne conjecture (Q703996)

The paper under review provides a proof of the Kashiwara-Vergne conjecture. The main theorem states that \[ \eta({\mathfrak u}*_{\mathfrak g}{\mathfrak v}) =\eta({\mathfrak u})*_G\eta({\mathfrak v}) \] whenever \({\mathfrak u}\) and \({\mathfrak v}\) are compatible invariant germs at 0 of distributions on the Lie algebra \({\mathfrak g}\) of a Lie group \(G\). The compatibility of \({\mathfrak u}\) and \({\mathfrak v}\) is a condition ensuring, in particular, that the convolution \({\mathfrak u}*_{\mathfrak g}{\mathfrak v}\) on the Lie algebra \({\mathfrak g}\) is well defined. The right hand side of the above formula is a convolution of germs of distributions on \(G\) at \(\mathbf{1}\in G\) that are defined by \(\eta({\mathfrak u})=\exp_{*}(u.q)\) and similarly for \(\eta({\mathfrak v})\), where \(q\) is the function defined on \({\mathfrak g}\) by \(q(X)=\det\left(\frac{{\text{e}}^{\text{ad }X/2} -{\text{e}}^{-\text{ad }X/2}} {\text{ad }X}\right)^{1/2}\). The above formula is proved by making use of the star product constructed by \textit{M.~Kontsevich} [Lett. Math. Phys. 66, No.3, 157-216 (2003; Zbl 1058.53065)] in the case of the Lie-Poisson space \({\mathfrak g}^*\). More precisely, let \({\mathcal S}({\mathfrak g})\) be the symmetric algebra of \({\mathfrak g}\) viewed as the algebra of polynomial functions on \({\mathfrak g}^*\). Then the star product on \({\mathcal S}({\mathfrak g})\) is extended to a convolution of distributions on \({\mathfrak g}\) with sufficiently small supports (close to 0), and the corresponding convolution turns out to define, on the level of germs, precisely the usual convolution \(*_{\mathfrak g}\) of compatible germs of distributions on \({\mathfrak g}\). The paper is written in a lucid style and is to a large extent self-contained. The authors also provide a nice review of the other developments originating in the classical paper by \textit{M.~Kashiwara} and \textit{M.~Vergne} [Invent. Math. 47, 249-272 (1978; Zbl 0404.22012)].