Identifying assembly maps in \(K\)- and \(L\)-theory (Q1423607)

Encoding geometric information, assembly maps in \(K\)- and \(L\)-theory have been studied in different branches of mathematics, each coming with its own settings and definitions. The purpose of this paper is to offer a unified approach to the Loday assembly map (in algebraic \(K\)-theory), the Farrell-Jones map (in \(L\)-theory) and the Baum-Connes map (in topological \(K\)-theory). Each is defined on the equivariant homotopy category using `continuously controlled theory'. Previously, \textit{J. F. Davis} and \textit{W. Lück} [\(K\)-Theory 15, 201--252 (1998; Zbl 0921.19003)] provided such an approach, however, did not prove that their maps agree with the above assembly maps. [\textit{M. Weiss} and \textit{B. Williams}, Lond. Math. Soc. Lect. Note Ser. 227, 353--364 (1995; Zbl 0955.55005) provide a uniqueness theorem for assembly maps but not in the equivariant setting.] The authors here argue that their continuously controlled assembly maps agree with both the original definitions and those of Davis and Lück (loc. cit.). By necessity, a large part of the paper reviews the different theories -- very useful in its own right.