Crossed modules (Q2054460)

The mathematical concept of a crossed module exists for a wide variety of algebraic structures. Crossed modules of groups were the first crossed modules to be explored and they were invented in the 1940s by J. H. C. Whitehead in order to describe the homotopy \(2\)-type of a space. \par For the algebraic structure of groups, a \textit{ crossed module of groups} is a homomorphism of groups \(\mu : M\to N\) together with an action of a group \(N\) on the group \(M\) by automorphisms such that on the one hand \(\mu\) is equivariant with respect to the given action of \(N\) on \(M\) and the conjugation action of \(N\) on itself, and on the other hand, the conjugation action of \(M\) on itself is tied to the action of \(N\) on \(M\) via the prescription that for \(m,m'\in M\), we have \(mm'm^{-1}= \mu(m)m'\). \par This book presents material in two parts. Part one provides an introduction to crossed modules of groups, Lie algebras and associative algebras with fully written out proofs and is suitable for graduate students interested in homological algebra. In part two, more advanced and less standard topics such as crossed modules of Hopf algebra, Lie groups, and racks are discussed as well as recent developments and research on crossed modules. It contains six chapters followed by short introductions, is furnished with numerous exercises, as well as problems for independent solutions. Its text might be summarized chapter by chapter as follows: Chapter 1, \textbf{Crossed modules of groups} discusses crossed modules of groups the concept of which originated from homotopy theory. Chapter 2, \textbf{Crossed modules of Lie algebras} is dedicated to crossed modules of Lie algebras. To emphasize the similarities with Chapter 1, crossed modules of Lie algebras are discussed in relations to third cohomology. Furthermore, relations with the Hochschild-Sere spectra sequence are covered. Chapter 3, \textbf{Crossed modules of associative algebras} is devoted to crossed modules of associative algebras. To emphasize the similarities with the previous chapters, those crossed modules are discussed in relations to third cohomology. Associative \(2\)-algebras appear as a categorized version of associative algebras. Reports on the passage from crossed modules of associative algebras to/from crossed modules of Lie algebras and groups are presented. Chapter 4, \textbf{Crossed modules of Hopf algebras} studies relations between crossed modules of Lie and Hopf algebras, and relations between crossed modules of groups and Hopf algebras. Because of the natural appearance of duality in this context, crossed \textit{comodules} of Hopf algebras are considered as well. Chapter 5, \textbf{Crossed modules with geometric structure} is concerned with crossed modules of groups and Lie algebras with geometric structure. First of all, we will concentrate on crossed modules of Lie groups and the elementary integration theory of crossed modules of Lie algebra into crossed modules of Lie groups. Then, crossed modules with other geometric structures such as crossed modules of Lie-Rinehart algebras and crossed modules in Malcev theory are studied. Chapter 6, \textbf{Crossed modules of racks} generalizes crossed modules of groups to crossed modules of racks. Racks are generalizations of groups whose axioms capture the essential properties of group conjugation and algebraically encode two of the Reidemeister moves. Because of the later, they have proven useful in defining link and knot invariants. Then, Appendices: A, B, C and D recall some basic homological algebra on cohomology of: groups, Lie algebras, associative algebras and Lie groups used throughout this book. Even though its Bibliography contains 101 positions, references to some essential results on the subject of this book by R. Brown, P. J. Higgins and T. Porter would enrich significantly the presented citations. \par This complete book on crossed modules provides full worked out proofs throughout, suitable for graduate students or a second year graduate course on homological algebra. Furthermore, the scope of the book could be also addressed to advanced students and researchers in mathematics and theoretical physics.