Quantum torsors (Q1410964)

The aim of this paper is to present a quantum analogue of torsors in the ``parallelogram'' axioms [see \textit{R. Baer}, J. Reine Angew. Math. 160, 199-207 (1929; JFM 55.0084.03)]. The quantum torsor introduced in this paper is an algebra equipped with a triple coproduct and with an algebra endomorphism playing the role of the square of the antipode in a Hopf algebra. It is verified that any quantum torsor is equipped with a natural structure of bicomodule-algebra when the ground ring is a field or a ring of formal series. In this framework, the author reformulates the rules for the composition of torsors and defines an invariant group associated with any Hopf algebra. Then he discusses the relation between two approaches, respectively, with the theory of Hopf-Galois extensions and with the theory of Hopf-Galois systems (a quamtum analogue of the ``groupoid'' formulation of torsor axioms). Finally, a general categorical reformulation for faithfully flat Hopf-Galois extensions over a ring is given.