Hopf algebra structure on topological Hochschild homology (Q2571382)

The paper under review is part of a program to make systematic computations of the algebraic K-theory of \(S\)-algebras, by means of the cyclotomic trace. In this paper, the Hopf algebra structure of the topological Hochschild homology of a commutative \(S\)-algebra \(R\) is studied and several computations are made. Under flatness assumptions, the authors prove that the Bökstedt spectral sequence \[ E^2_{**}=HH_*(H_*(R;\mathbf F_p))\Rightarrow H_*(THH(R);\mathbf F_p) \] is a spectral sequence of \(A_*\)-comodule \(H_*(R;\mathbf F_p)\)-Hopf algebras, where \(A_*\) is the dual Steenrod algebra. Also situations without a fully coherent commutative stucture are considered. When \(R\) is a commutative \(S\)-algebra, \textit{J. McClure, R. Schwänzl} and \textit{R. Vogt} [J. Pure Appl. Algebra 121, No. 2, 137--159 (1997; Zbl 0885.55004)] proved the equivalence \(THH(R)\simeq R\otimes S^1\). Under this equivalence, the Hopf algebra structure is given by pinching \(S^1\to S^1\vee S^1\) and reflection. Using appropriate subdivisions the authors realize this structure on the level needed for establishing the structure on Bökstedt's spectral sequence. This leads to many calculations. For instance, from a thorough understanding of the operations involved, the authors calculate the algebra \(H_*(THH(R);\mathbf F_p)\) for various commutative \(S\)-algebras \(R\) and primes \(p\). In particular the \(S\)-algebras \(ku\), \(ko\), \(tmf\), \(j\) and \(BP\) are considered. Finally, the homology calculations are translated to homotopy (after smashing with suitable finite complexes). This has so far been essential for accessing algebraic K-theory by means of the cyclotomic trace, but the authors indicate that they believe that a purely homological approach may prove successful.