Free \(n\)-category generated by a cube, oriented matroids, and higher Bruhat orders (Q1814352)

In investigating multidimensional generalizations of the Yang-Baxter equation, Manin and Shekhtman introduced partially ordered sets \(B(n,k)\) called higher Bruhat orders. The set \(B(n,1)\) is the symmetric group \(S_ n\) with its weak Bruhat order, and \(B(n,k+1)\) is obtained by a factorization from the set of maximal chains in \(B(n,k)\). The connection was pointed out for \(B(n,k)\) with arrangements of \(n\) hyperplanes in \(\mathbb{R}^ k\) in the general situation and also with the structure of the convex hull of a general orbit of \(S_ n\) in \(\mathbb{R}^ n\). In the present note we give an interpretation of \(B(n,k)\) as the sets of some \(k\)-dimensional strips in an \(n\)-dimensional cube. Our approach is based on a consideration of the \(n\)-category \(Q_ n\) ``freely generated'' by the faces of an \(n\)-dimensional cube. It provides a natural ``unlooping'' of the \((n-1)\)-category \(S_ n\) and generating higher Bruhat orders.