Generalized Arf invariants in algebraic \(L\)-theory (Q2576993)

The authors apply the cobordism formulation of algebraic \(L\)-theory to obtain generalized Arf invariants. These invariants are used to describe the difference between the quadratic \(L\)-groups \(L^*(A)\) and the symmetric \(L\)-groups \(L^*(A)\) of a ring \(A\) with involution. In the special case where \(A= \mathbb{Z}[x]\), one obtains a complete set of invariants for the Cappell UNil-groups \(\text{UNil}_*(\mathbb{Z}; \mathbb{Z}, \mathbb{Z})\) for the infinite dihedral group \(D_\infty= \mathbb{Z}_2*\mathbb{Z}_2\). This extends the results of \textit{F. Connolly} and \textit{A. Ranicki} [Adv. Math. 195, No.~1, 205--258 (2005; Zbl 1080.57025)] and \textit{F. Connolly} and \textit{J. F. Davis} [Geom. Topol. 8, 1043--1078 (2004; Zbl 1052.57049)].