The motivic Segal-Becker theorem for algebraic \(K\)-theory (Q2146796)

Let \(k\) be a field of exponential characteristic \(p\), and consider the Morel-Voevodsky pointed unstable \(\mathbb{A}^1\)-homotopy category of \(k\) with \(p\) inverted. Let \(B\mathrm{GL}_1\to B\mathrm{GL}_\infty\) be the map induced by the diagonal embedding, giving rise to a map \[ \lambda\colon \Omega_{\mathbb{PP}^1}^\infty\Sigma_{\mathbb{P}^1}^\infty B\mathrm{GL}_1\to B\mathrm{GL}_\infty \] of infinite \(\mathbb{P}^1\)-loop spaces. Using transfer and duality, the authors prove that the induced map \([X,\lambda]\) is surjective whenever \(X\) is compact. This result may be viewed as a weak \(\mathbb{A}^1\)-homotopical analog of a result of Segal that \(BU_\infty\) is a split summand of the infinite loop space of \(BU_1\) in the classical pointed unstable homotopy category.