Algebraic and real \(K\)-theory of real varieties (Q1868037)

For a space \(X\) endowed with an involution, one may consider the Grothendieck group of complex vector bundles endowed with compatible involutions, and this leads to Atiyah's real \(K\)-theory \(KR\). Let \(V\) be a quasi-projective variety defined over \(\mathbb R\). Then the set \(V(\mathbb C)\) of complex points of \(V\) carries a natural involution. An algebraic vector bundle over \(V\) gives rise to a complex vector bundle over \(V(\mathbb C)\) which is naturally endowed with a compatible involution. This induces a homomorphism \(K_0(V)\to KR^0(V(\mathbb C))\) which extends to a sequence \(K_n(V)\to KR^{-n}(V(\mathbb C))\) of homomorphisms for all \(n\). The main result of this paper is that for non-singular \(V\) and passing to coefficients \(\mathbb Z/m\) with \(m\) a power of \(2\), these homomorphisms are isomorphisms for \(n\geq 2\). In the case that \(V\) is a curve and for the coordinate rings of spheres, the authors show that one gets isomorphisms for all \(n\) and any choice of \(m\). As one of the main ingredients of the proof, the authors derive a Riemann-Roch theorem for \(KR\)-theory. The second main ingredient is a result on the \(K\)-theory of complex varieties, which follows from Voevodsky's work on the Milnor conjecture.