Problems and conjectures in rational homotopy theory: A survey (Q1342738)

An area in mathematics stays alive through the development of new problems, questions and conjectures and through its connections with other parts of mathematics. Rational homotopy theory began its existence as a much-desired algebraization of homotopy theory (in a world devoid of torsion phenomena). But rather than stop there, the work and viewpoint of Sullivan (owing much to de Rham theory and H. Whitney's book, Geometric Integration Theory) transformed the theory into an algebraic approach to geometric phenomena ranging from the closed geodesic problem to the structure of manifolds. At the same time, rational homotopy also began to find its place in the domain of local algebra, a cross fertilization which has produced many interesting connections between topology and algebra. The present paper seeks to expose the vitality of rational homotopy through a survey of outstanding problems in the area. The problems and conjectures connect best with classical homotopy theory and algebra and through them the reader can see not only the edifice which has been constructed, but the footholds which researchers just entering the area should use to surmount it. The reader should be aware that, while the author mentions two famous ``geometric'' conjectures at the end of his article, there are in fact many more questions and conjectures on the interface of rational homotopy and geometry. An article addressing these would be most welcome. Also, there are several misprints in the present paper (e.g. involving Gottlieb group vanishing), but none should pose much of a problem. These quibbles aside, this paper truly shows that rational homotopy is alive and kicking at the dawn of a new century.