Dendroidal sets (Q2464800)

The authors introduce the concept of dendroidal set, which is a generalization of the notion of a simplicial set. They first introduce a category of trees \(\Omega\), then define a dendroidal set as a presheaf on \(\Omega\). By considering any non negative integer \(n\) as a linear tree, the simplicial category \(\Delta\) is embedded in \(\Omega\). Thus, a dendroidal set is a generalization of a simplicial set since a simplicial set is a presheaf on \(\Delta\). From the definition, one can easily guess that the concept of dendroidal set is suited for the study of (coloured) operads. The authors show that there is a closed monoidal structure on the category of dendroidal sets which is closely related to the Boardman-Vogt tensor product of operads. Furthermore, it is proved that each operad in a suitable model category has a coherent homotopy nerve which is a dendroidal set. The authors also define a notion of inner Kan dendroidal set, which is closely related to the simplicial Kan complex. Finally, the theory of dendroidal objects in more general monoidal categories is discussed.