Quantum Teichmüller space and Kashaev algebra (Q731426)

The quantization of the Teichmüller space of a punctured surface is motivated by the physical interpretation of \(2+1\) dimensional gravity as a Chern-Simons theory with a noncompact gauge group, and by the search for perturbative \(3\)-manifold invariants related to hyperbolic geometry. Two distinct quantizations exist, due to Chekhov and Fock and to Kashaev. Both were formulated analytically, but both are intrinsically algebraic, or combinatorial. In [\textit{X. Liu}, J. Knot Theory Ramifications 18, No.~5, 705--726 (2009; Zbl 1204.57033)], the second author interpreted Chekhov-Fock quantization as the noncommutative deformation of the algebra of rational functions on the Teichmüller space. \textit{H. Bai} showed that its construction is essentially unique [Geom. Dedicata 128, 1--16 (2007; Zbl 1131.53048)]. Its representation theory gives rise to an invariant of hyperbolic \(3\)-manifolds [\textit{F. Bonahon} and \textit{X. Liu}, Geom. Topol. 11, 889--937 (2007; Zbl 1134.57008)]. This paper considers the corresponding problem for Kashaev quantization, to interpret it in terms of noncommutative algebraic geometry and to make clear its relationship with Chekhov-Fock quantization. The essential difference between the two quantizations of Techmüller space mentioned above is that Chekhov-Fock quantization uses Thurston's shear coordinates associated to ideal triangulations of the surface, whereas Kashaev quantization uses a new set of coordinates which are related to Penner coordinates. The authors construct a generalized Kashaev algebra \(\hat{K}^q_S(a,b)\) associated to the surface \(S\) and to two arbitrary complex numbers \(a\) and \(b\). Kashaev's original construction corresponds to the case \(a=q^{-1}\) and \(b=q\). But the relationship between the generalized Kashaev algebra and quantum Teichmüller space is a homomorphism if and only if \(a=q^{-2}\) and \(b=q^3\). The generalized Kashaev algebra thus emerges as a natural construction. Two interesting problems mentioned at the end of the introduction are to study the uniqueness of \(\hat{K}^q_S(a,b)\) and its representation theory.