Round L-theory (Q1099241)

Wall's algebraic L-groups, given by quadratic forms, were expressed as algebraic cobordism groups of Poincaré chain complexes by \textit{A. Ranicki} [Proc. Lond. Math. Soc., III. Ser. 40, 87-192 (1980; Zbl 0471.57010)]. In this article the round L-groups, defined by quadratic forms with even rank, are identified with algebraic cobordism classes of round Poincaré complexes, i.e. Poincaré chain complexes with vanishing Euler characteristic. Products \(L\quad *_ r(A)\otimes L\quad p_*(B)\to L\quad h_*(A\otimes B)\) are defined which induce Shaneson's splitting. Morita equivalence and \(L_*(A\times B)=L\quad r_*(A)\oplus L\quad r_*(B)\) hold. In particular Wederburn's theorem \({\mathbb{Q}}\pi =\prod \Pi_{m(j)}(D_ j)\) implies \(L\quad r_*({\mathbb{Q}}\pi)=\prod L\quad r_*(D_ j).\) Product formulas for surgery obstructions and Rothenberg sequences are established. They are used to compute \(L\) \(r_*({\mathbb{Z}})\).