The Århus integral of rational homology 3-spheres. II: Invariance and universality (Q1849773)

This is a second in a series of 4 papers dealing with an invariant for rational homology 3-spheres which the authors call the Århus integral. The first paper [Sel. Math., New Ser. 8, No. 3, 341--371 (2002; Zbl 1012.57013)] was an introductory paper on the subject. In the paper under review, the authors prove the invariance and the universality in the class of finite type invariants of the Århus integral. Invariance means mainly invariance with respect to the second Kirby move for links. The general set-up of the work involves the theory of formal Gaussian integration and a neighbouring theory of formal differential operators. The main tool for proving invariance is a scheme that translates statements in multi-variable calculus (Gaussian integration, integration by parts, etc.) into statements about diagrams.