A type A structure in Khovanov homology (Q728331)

Any link \(L\) may be seen as a composition of two tangles \(T_1\), \(T_2\). Generalizing a link invariant theory to one of tangles, especially one which respects compositions of tangles, is always an interesting project. The author of the present paper accomplishes this goal for Khovanov homology by defining two kinds of tangle homology theories, namely the type D structure and the type A structure. These are two different types of differential modules over certain algebras, whose homology groups are invariant under Reidemeister moves of tangles. The tangles \(T_1\) and \(T_2\) are called ``inside'' (resp. ``outside'') tangle, and each one is categorized using the type D structure or the type A structure, respectively. Paring of these structures by a certain tensor product corresponding to the gluing of the tangles, recovers the Khovanov homology of \(L\). This construction is modeled after bordered Floer homology [\textit{R. Lipshitz}, \textit{P. Ozsvath} and \textit{D. Thurston}, ``Bordered Heegaard Floer homology: invariance and pairing'', Preprint, \url{arXiv:0810.0687}]. In the previous paper [Adv. Math. 293, 81--145 (2016; Zbl 1362.57023)], the author defined a type D structure for tangles and showed that it is an invariant of the isotopy classes. In the current paper he defines a type A structure. He shows its isotopy invariance, and the pairing theory with a type D structure to recover the Khovanov homology of links. Both structures are defined combinatorially. Some examples of computations are demonstrated.