Equivariant Morse relations (Q874455)

Given a finite group \(G\), Costenoble and Waner defined a \(G\)-equivariant cellular homology theory for \(G\)-spaces \(X\), graded on virtual representations of the \(G\)-equivariant fundamental groupoid \(\pi_G(X)\). Using this theory, the authors of the paper associate an infinite Morse series with an equivariant Morse function \(f\) defined on a closed Riemannian \(G\)-manifold \(M\). By a result of Wasserman, if the critical locus of \(f\) is a disjoint union of orbits, \(M\) has a canonical decomposition into disk bundles. The authors prove that if the decomposition is related to a virtual representation \(\gamma\) of \(\pi_G(X)\), the Morse relations are satisfied by the ``\(\gamma\)th homology groups''. Moreover, for semi-free \(G\)-actions, the authors characterize the Morse fuctions \(f\) which naturally give rise to such representations \(\gamma\). In particular, for \(G= \mathbb{Z}_2\), the authors prove that the Morse relation is satisfied by Bredon homology.