The E-theoretic descent functor for groupoids (Q952479)

For \(G\) a locally compact group and for \(G\)-\(C^{*}\)-algebras \(A\) and \(B\), the descent homomorphism \[ j_{G} \: KK_{G} (A,B) \rightarrow KK (C^{*}(G,A), C^{*}(G,B)) \] plays an important role in Kasparov's bivariant \(K\)-theory. \textit{P.-Y. Le Gall} [K-Theory 16, 361--390 (1999; Zbl 0932.19004)] has exhibited a \(KK\)-theoretic descent homomorphism in which the group \(G\) is replaced by a locally compact, \(\sigma\)-compact, Hausdorff groupoid \(\Gamma\) with left Haar system. \textit{E. Guentner}, \textit{N. Higson} and \textit{J. Trout} [Mem. Am. Math. Soc. 703 (2000; Zbl 0983.19003)] have developed group-equivariant \(E\)-theory, with an associated descent homomorphism. Building on the theory of groupoid-equivariant asymptotic morphisms developed by \textit{R. Popescu} [J. Funct. Anal. 209, 247--292 (2004; Zbl 1059.46054)], the paper under review provides a groupoid version of the \(E\)-theoretic descent homomorphism. Introducing a new formulation of the standard definition of groupoid \(\Gamma\)-actions on \(C^{*}\)-algebras, the author establishes continuity and exactness of the functor that constructs crossed product algebras. The major technical issue addressed in the paper is the construction of an algebra admitting a continuous \(\Gamma\)-action over the half-infinite interval used in the definition of asymptotic morphisms. The author addresses this issue under the hypothesis of a kind of local transversality for the groupoid. He notes that \(r\)-discrete groupoids, transformation group groupoids, and many (perhaps all) Lie groupoids satisfy the hypothesis.