The Adams spectral sequence for 3-local tmf (Q2023782)

The original definition of the spectrum \(tmf\) of topological modular forms due to Hopkins and his collaborators [\textit{M. J. Hopkins}, in: Proceedings of the international congress of mathematicians, ICM '94, August 3-11, 1994, Zürich, Switzerland. Vol. I. Basel: Birkhäuser. 554--565 (1995; Zbl 0848.55002)] was accompanied by a series of unpublished computations [\textit{C. L. Douglas} (ed.) et al. Topological modular forms. Based on the Talbot workshop, North Conway, NH, USA, March 25--31, 2007. Providence, RI: American Mathematical Society (AMS) (2014; Zbl 1304.55002)]. It has taken a number of years for many of these computations to be recorded in a precise and publishable state. In the article under review, the author adds to this rich pool of calculations surrounding \(tmf\) by precisely computing and documenting the \(3\)-local Adams spectral sequence for \(tmf\); not to be confused with the Adams-Novikov (descent/elliptic) spectral sequence found in works by \textit{T. Bauer} [Geom. Topol. Monogr. 13, 11--40 (2008; Zbl 1147.55005)] and \textit{A. G. Henriques} [Math. Surv. Monogr. 201, 189--205 (2014; Zbl 1328.55015)]. In particular, the author provides a description of the Adams \(E_2\)-page, all differentials, and all resolutions to potential extension problems. As a springboard, the author starts \S2 with a well-known computation of \(H_\ast tmf\), the \(\mathbf{F}_3\)-homology of \(tmf\), and an extension of comodules over the mod \(3\) dual Steenrod algebra of the form \[ 0\to \Sigma^8\mathcal{B}\to H_\ast tmf\to \mathcal{B}\to 0. \] Applying \(\mathrm{Ext}_{A_\ast}(\mathbf{F}_3, -)\) to the extension above yields a long exact sequence which one can consider as a spectral sequence. An expression for the \(E_1\)-page of this spectral sequence is obtained in \S3, using only explicit manipulations and the May spectral sequence. To determine the differentials and extensions of this spectral sequence, an appeal to the homotopy groups of \(tmf\) is made, resulting in a calculation of the Adams \(E_2\)-page in \S4. After a brief intermezzo discussing the \(tmf\)-relative Adams spectral sequence used by \textit{M. A. Hill} [Proc. Am. Math. Soc. 135, No. 12, 4075--4086 (2007; Zbl 1130.55003)] and the rational homotopy theory of \(tmf\), the author continues onto \S6. This is the most technical part of the paper, wherein the author discusses, determines, and catalogues all differentials and hidden extensions for the \(3\)-local Adams spectral sequence of \(tmf\). All statements are preceded by ample motivation and notational reminders, and throughout the article under review the author provides many clarifying remarks regarding the source or potential alternatives to some of the arguments made. The clarity found throughout this article is noteworthy. This understanding of the \(3\)-local Adams spectral sequence of \(tmf\) of course leads to a computation of the homotopy groups of \(tmf_{(3)}^\wedge\), however, the methods of the article under review are not independent of the calculations of \textit{T. Bauer} [loc. cit.]. It is the documentation of the complete structure of the \(3\)-local Adams spectral sequence for \(tmf\) that is the true contribution of the article under review. The author remarks that a description of the \(2\)-local Adams spectral sequence for \(tmf\) made by \textit{R. R. Bruner} and \textit{J. Rognes} (see [The Adams spectral sequence for topological modular forms (to appear). Providence, RI: American Mathematical Society (AMS) (2021; Zbl 1486.55001)] is related to the topological Hochschild homology of \(tmf\), and hopes the article under review might have similar applications.