Equivariant cohomology and sheaves (Q403610)

For \(G\) a finite group, the author defines \(RO(G)\)-graded cohomology groups of a space using sheaves (specifically, in terms of Čech hypercohomology). In the case of a smooth \(G\)-manifold, it is proven that this definition agrees with the more standard version constructed via \(G\)-equivariant spectra. The paper starts with a careful examination of simplicial \(G\)-sets and their geometric resolutions. Using this, the author proves the existence of \(G\)-equivariant good covers for smooth \(G\)-manifolds. Furthermore, it is shown that these good covers are cofinal in the set of all open covers. In particular, a \(G\)-manifold is \(G\)-homotopy equivalent to the realisation of the nerve of one of these good \(G\)-equivariant good covers. After introducing pre-sheaves on \(G\)-manifolds, the author gives two spectral sequences: one converging to the Čech hypercohomology groups of a manifold and the other converging to the \(RO(G)\)-graded cohomology groups of a manifold. The main result follows from an isomorphism between their \(E_1\)-terms (that is compatible with the differentials). The paper finishes with an application to algebraic geometry where the author applies his work to the group-of-order-two action on a real algebraic variety.