Even-dimensional \(l\)-monoids and \(L\)-theory (Q2464761)

In Kreck's modified version of surgery theory [\textit{M. Kreck}, Ann. Math. (2) 149, 707--754 (1999; Zbl 0935.57039)], \(n\)-dimensional manifolds are classified up to diffeomorphisms by the normal homotopy type of their \(n/2\)-skeletons and the modified obstructions are elements in certain monoids \(l_{n}(\mathbb{Z}[\pi])\), which are not well-understood. The author presents three obstructions helping to analyse \(\theta \in l_{2k}(\Lambda)\) for a ring \(\Lambda\). First, if \(\theta\) is elementary, flip-isomorphisms must exist and in certain cases these are isometries of the linking forms of the manifolds one wishes to classify. Second, a further obstruction in the asymmetric Witt group vanishes if \(\theta\) is elementary. Alternatively, there is an obstruction in \(L_{2k}(\Lambda)\) for certain flip-isomorphisms which is trivial if and only if \(\theta\) is elementary.