The topology of moduli spaces of free group representations (Q842311)

Let \(G\) be a complex affine reductive group, with compact real form \(K\). As is well known, \(G\) deformation retracts to \(K\). This paper concerns the Geometric Invariant Theory quotient \(\mathfrak{X}_r(G)\) of the Cartesian power \(G^r\) by diagonal \(G\)-conjugation, and the corresponding quotient \(\mathfrak{X}_r(K)\) of \(K^r\) by diagonal \(K\)-conjugation. The powers \(G^r\) (respectively \(K^r\)) are equivalently described as the spaces of representations of a rank \(r\) free group \(\mathbb{F}_r\) into \(G\) (respectively \(K\)). Clearly \(\mathsf{Hom}(\mathbb{F}_r,G)\approx G^r\) deformation retracts to \(\text{Hom}(\mathbb{F}_r,K)\approx K^r\). The main result is that the quotient \(\mathfrak{X}_r(G)\) deformation retracts to the quotient \(\mathfrak{X}_r(K)\). Using this the authors show that \(SL(n,\mathbb{C})\)-character variety is homotopy-equivalent to \(S^8\) when \(n=3, r=2\), and homotopy-equivalent to \(S^6\) when \(n=2, r=3\). For \(n=2\), the main result is due to \textit{S. Bradholdt} and \textit{D. Cooper} [Rend. Ist. Mat. Univ. Trieste 32, Suppl. 1, 45--53 (2001; Zbl 1062.14505)]. A similar result is proved when \(\mathbb{F}_r\) is replaced by a free abelian group, but counterexamples are given for other finitely generated groups. The result also enables a complete determination of the Poincaré polynomial of \(\mathfrak{X}_r(SL(2,\mathbb{C})\). The paper is nicely written, and achieves a pleasant balance between the commutative algebra and the topology.