The \(\mathfrak{sl}_n\) foam 2-category: a combinatorial formulation of Khovanov-Rozansky homology via categorical skew Howe duality (Q317356)

In [Algebr. Geom. Topol. 4, 1045--1081 (2004; Zbl 1159.57300)], \textit{M. Khovanov} gave a description of a homology theory in terms of webs and foams categorifying the \(\mathfrak{sl}_3\) link polynomial. [\textit{M. Khovanov} and \textit{L. Rozansky}, Fundam. Math. 199, No. 1, 1--91 (2008; Zbl 1145.57009)] introduced a link homology theory categorifying the \(\mathfrak{sl}_n\) link polynomial for \(n\geq 4\).NEWLINENEWLINEIn the paper under review, the authors give a combinatorial description of colored \(\mathfrak{sl}_n\) link homologies in terms of \(\mathfrak{sl}_n\) webs and foams recovering (colored) Khovanov-Rozansky homology. This improves earlier work of \textit{M. Mackaay} et al. [Geom. Topol. 13, No. 2, 1075--1128 (2009; Zbl 1202.57017)].NEWLINENEWLINEThe authors introduce enhanced foam facets fixing sign issues associated with the original matrix factorization formulation and use skew Howe duality to give an algorithm to evaluate close foams combinatorially.