The Euler characteristic of Out( F n ) and the Hopf algebra of - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

the euler characteristic of out f n and the hopf algebra
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The Euler characteristic of Out( F n ) and the Hopf algebra of - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

The Euler characteristic of Out( F n ) and the Hopf algebra of graphs Michael Borinsky, Nikhef September 18, ACPMS - Place: the Internet joint work with Karen Vogtmann arXiv:1907.03543 - to be published in Commentarii Mathematici Helvetici


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The Euler characteristic of Out(Fn) and the Hopf algebra of graphs

Michael Borinsky, Nikhef September 18, ACPMS - Place: the Internet

joint work with Karen Vogtmann arXiv:1907.03543 - to be published in Commentarii Mathematici Helvetici

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Teaser

Teichm¨ uller space Tg MCG(Sg) mapping class group

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Teaser

Teichm¨ uller space Tg MCG(Sg) mapping class group Harer Zagier (1986): χ(MCG(Sg)) = χ(Mg) = B2g 4g(g − 1)

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Teaser

Teichm¨ uller space Tg MCG(Sg) mapping class group Harer Zagier (1986): χ(MCG(Sg)) = χ(Mg) = B2g 4g(g − 1) Culler-Vogtmann Outer space Xn Out(Fn)

  • uter automorphisms of Fn

This work: χ(Out(Fn)) = χ(Xn/ Out(Fn)) = . . .

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a

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Introduction I: Groups

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Automorphisms of groups

  • Take a group G

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Automorphisms of groups

  • Take a group G
  • An automorphism of G, ρ ∈ Aut(G) is a bijection

ρ : G → G such that ρ(x · y) = ρ(x) · ρ(y) for all x, y ∈ G

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Automorphisms of groups

  • Take a group G
  • An automorphism of G, ρ ∈ Aut(G) is a bijection

ρ : G → G such that ρ(x · y) = ρ(x) · ρ(y) for all x, y ∈ G

  • Normal subgroup: Inn(G) ⊳ Aut(G), the inner automorphisms.

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Automorphisms of groups

  • Take a group G
  • An automorphism of G, ρ ∈ Aut(G) is a bijection

ρ : G → G such that ρ(x · y) = ρ(x) · ρ(y) for all x, y ∈ G

  • Normal subgroup: Inn(G) ⊳ Aut(G), the inner automorphisms.
  • We have, ρh ∈ Inn(G)

ρh :G → G, g → h−1gh for each h ∈ G.

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Automorphisms of groups

  • Take a group G
  • An automorphism of G, ρ ∈ Aut(G) is a bijection

ρ : G → G such that ρ(x · y) = ρ(x) · ρ(y) for all x, y ∈ G

  • Normal subgroup: Inn(G) ⊳ Aut(G), the inner automorphisms.
  • We have, ρh ∈ Inn(G)

ρh :G → G, g → h−1gh for each h ∈ G.

  • Outer automorphisms: Out(G) = Aut(G)/ Inn(G)

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Automorphisms of the free group

  • Consider the free group with n generators

Fn = a1, . . . , an E.g. a1a−5

3 a2 ∈ Fn 3

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Automorphisms of the free group

  • Consider the free group with n generators

Fn = a1, . . . , an E.g. a1a−5

3 a2 ∈ Fn

  • The group Out(Fn) is our main object of interest.

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Automorphisms of the free group

  • Consider the free group with n generators

Fn = a1, . . . , an E.g. a1a−5

3 a2 ∈ Fn

  • The group Out(Fn) is our main object of interest.
  • Generated by

a1 → a1a2 a2 → a2 a3 → a3 . . . and a1 → a−1

1

a2 → a2 a3 → a3 . . . and permutations of the letters.

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Mapping class group

  • Another example of an outer automorphism group:

the mapping class group

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Mapping class group

  • Another example of an outer automorphism group:

the mapping class group

  • The group of homeomorphisms of a closed, connected and
  • rientable surface Sg of genus g up to isotopies

MCG(Sg) := Out(π1(Sg))

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Example: Mapping class group of the torus

MCG(T2) = Out(π1(T2)) The group of homeomorphisms T2 → T2 up to an isotopy:

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SL

Z K

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Introduction II: Spaces

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How to study such groups?

How to study groups such as MCG(S) or Out(Fn)?

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How to study such groups?

How to study groups such as MCG(S) or Out(Fn)? Main idea Realize G as symmetries of some geometric object. Due to Stallings, Thurston, Gromov, . . . (1970-)

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For the mapping class group: Teichm¨ uller space

Let S be a closed, connected and orientable surface.

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For the mapping class group: Teichm¨ uller space

Let S be a closed, connected and orientable surface. ⇒ A point in Teichm¨ uller space T(S) is a pair, (X, µ)

  • A Riemann surface X.
  • A marking: a homeomorphism µ : S → X.

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Tu

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For the mapping class group: Teichm¨ uller space

Let S be a closed, connected and orientable surface. ⇒ A point in Teichm¨ uller space T(S) is a pair, (X, µ)

  • A Riemann surface X.
  • A marking: a homeomorphism µ : S → X.

MCG(S) acts on T(S) by composing to the marking: (X, µ) → (X, µ ◦ g−1) for some g ∈ MCG(S).

7 E.EE

e

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For Out(Fn): Outer space

Idea: Mimic previous construction for Out(Fn). Culler, Vogtmann (1986)

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For Out(Fn): Outer space

Idea: Mimic previous construction for Out(Fn). Culler, Vogtmann (1986) Let Rn be the rose with n petals.

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For Out(Fn): Outer space

Idea: Mimic previous construction for Out(Fn). Culler, Vogtmann (1986) Let Rn be the rose with n petals. ⇒ A point in Outer space On is a pair, (G, µ)

  • A connected graph G with a length assigned to each edge.
  • A marking: a homotopy µ : Rn → G.

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R

  • f

a

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For Out(Fn): Outer space

Idea: Mimic previous construction for Out(Fn). Culler, Vogtmann (1986) Let Rn be the rose with n petals. ⇒ A point in Outer space On is a pair, (G, µ)

  • A connected graph G with a length assigned to each edge.
  • A marking: a homotopy µ : Rn → G.

Out(Fn) acts on On by composing to the marking: (Γ, µ) → (Γ, µ ◦ g−1) for some g ∈ Out(Fn) = Out(π1(Rn)).

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  • f

a

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O2

Put picture of Outer space here

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Vogtmann 2008

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Examples of applications of Outer space

  • The group Out(Fn)
  • Moduli spaces of punctured surfaces
  • Tropical curves
  • Invariants of symplectic manifolds
  • Classical modular forms
  • (Mathematical) physics

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Examples of applications of Outer space

  • The group Out(Fn)
  • Moduli spaces of punctured surfaces
  • Tropical curves
  • Invariants of symplectic manifolds
  • Classical modular forms
  • (Mathematical) physics :

Scalar QFT ∼ Integrals over On / Out(Fn)

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Examples of applications of Outer space

  • The group Out(Fn)
  • Moduli spaces of punctured surfaces
  • Tropical curves
  • Invariants of symplectic manifolds
  • Classical modular forms
  • (Mathematical) physics :

Scalar QFT ∼ Integrals over On / Out(Fn) analogous to 2D Quantum gravity ∼ Integral overT(S)/ MCG(S)

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Moduli spaces

  • The quotient space Gn := On / Out(Fn) is called the moduli

space of graphs.

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Moduli spaces

  • The quotient space Gn := On / Out(Fn) is called the moduli

space of graphs.

  • Its cousin Mg = T(Sg)/ MCG(Sg) is the moduli space of

curves.

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Moduli spaces

  • The quotient space Gn := On / Out(Fn) is called the moduli

space of graphs.

  • Its cousin Mg = T(Sg)/ MCG(Sg) is the moduli space of

curves.

  • Both can be used to study the respective groups.

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Summary of the respective groups and spaces

MCG(Sg) Out(Fn) acts freely and properly on Teichm¨ uller space T (Sg) Outer space On Quotient X/G Moduli space of curves Mg Moduli space of graphs Gn

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Invariants

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Algebraic invariants

  • H•(Out(Fn); Q) ≃ H•(On / Out(Fn); Q) = H•(Gn; Q),

as On is contractible Culler, Vogtmann (1986).

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Algebraic invariants

  • H•(Out(Fn); Q) ≃ H•(On / Out(Fn); Q) = H•(Gn; Q),

as On is contractible Culler, Vogtmann (1986). ⇒ Study Out(Fn) using Gn!

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Algebraic invariants

  • H•(Out(Fn); Q) ≃ H•(On / Out(Fn); Q) = H•(Gn; Q),

as On is contractible Culler, Vogtmann (1986). ⇒ Study Out(Fn) using Gn!

  • One simple invariant: Euler characteristic

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Further motivation to look at Euler characteristic of Out(Fn)

Consider the abelization map Fn → Zn.

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Further motivation to look at Euler characteristic of Out(Fn)

Consider the abelization map Fn → Zn. ⇒ Induces a group homomorphism Out(Fn) → Out(Zn)

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Further motivation to look at Euler characteristic of Out(Fn)

Consider the abelization map Fn → Zn. ⇒ Induces a group homomorphism Out(Fn) → Out(Zn)

  • =GL(n,Z)

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Further motivation to look at Euler characteristic of Out(Fn)

Consider the abelization map Fn → Zn. ⇒ Induces a group homomorphism 1 → T n → Out(Fn) → Out(Zn)

  • =GL(n,Z)

→ 1

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Further motivation to look at Euler characteristic of Out(Fn)

Consider the abelization map Fn → Zn. ⇒ Induces a group homomorphism 1 → T n → Out(Fn) → Out(Zn)

  • =GL(n,Z)

→ 1

  • T n the ‘non-abelian’ part of Out(Fn) is interesting.

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Further motivation to look at Euler characteristic of Out(Fn)

Consider the abelization map Fn → Zn. ⇒ Induces a group homomorphism 1 → T n → Out(Fn) → Out(Zn)

  • =GL(n,Z)

→ 1

  • T n the ‘non-abelian’ part of Out(Fn) is interesting.
  • By the short exact sequence above

χ(Out(Fn)) = χ(GL(n, Z)) χ(T n)

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Further motivation to look at Euler characteristic of Out(Fn)

Consider the abelization map Fn → Zn. ⇒ Induces a group homomorphism 1 → T n → Out(Fn) → Out(Zn)

  • =GL(n,Z)

→ 1

  • T n the ‘non-abelian’ part of Out(Fn) is interesting.
  • By the short exact sequence above

χ(Out(Fn)) = χ(GL(n, Z))

  • =0

χ(T n) n ≥ 3

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Further motivation to look at Euler characteristic of Out(Fn)

Consider the abelization map Fn → Zn. ⇒ Induces a group homomorphism 1 → T n → Out(Fn) → Out(Zn)

  • =GL(n,Z)

→ 1

  • T n the ‘non-abelian’ part of Out(Fn) is interesting.
  • By the short exact sequence above

χ(Out(Fn)) = χ(GL(n, Z))

  • =0

χ(T n) n ≥ 3 ⇒ T n does not have finitely-generated homology for n ≥ 3 if χ(Out(Fn)) = 0.

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Conjectures

Conjecture Smillie-Vogtmann (1987) χ(Out(Fn)) = 0 for all n ≥ 2 and |χ(Out(Fn))| grows exponentially for n → ∞. based on initial computations by Smillie-Vogtmann (1987) up to n ≤ 11. Later strengthened by Zagier (1989) up to n ≤ 100.

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Conjectures

Conjecture Smillie-Vogtmann (1987) χ(Out(Fn)) = 0 for all n ≥ 2 and |χ(Out(Fn))| grows exponentially for n → ∞. based on initial computations by Smillie-Vogtmann (1987) up to n ≤ 11. Later strengthened by Zagier (1989) up to n ≤ 100. Conjecture Magnus (1934) T n is not finitely presentable.

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Conjectures

Conjecture Smillie-Vogtmann (1987) χ(Out(Fn)) = 0 for all n ≥ 2 and |χ(Out(Fn))| grows exponentially for n → ∞. based on initial computations by Smillie-Vogtmann (1987) up to n ≤ 11. Later strengthened by Zagier (1989) up to n ≤ 100. Conjecture Magnus (1934) T n is not finitely presentable. In topological terms, i.e. dim(H2(T n)) = ∞, which implies that T n does not have finitely-generated homology.

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Conjectures

Conjecture Smillie-Vogtmann (1987) χ(Out(Fn)) = 0 for all n ≥ 2 and |χ(Out(Fn))| grows exponentially for n → ∞. based on initial computations by Smillie-Vogtmann (1987) up to n ≤ 11. Later strengthened by Zagier (1989) up to n ≤ 100. Conjecture Magnus (1934) T n is not finitely presentable. In topological terms, i.e. dim(H2(T n)) = ∞, which implies that T n does not have finitely-generated homology. Theorem Bestvina, Bux, Margalit (2007) T n does not have finitely-generated homology.

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Results: χ(Out(Fn)) = 0

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Theorem A MB-Vogtmann (2019) χ(Out(Fn)) < 0 for all n ≥ 2

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Theorem A MB-Vogtmann (2019) χ(Out(Fn)) < 0 for all n ≥ 2 χ(Out(Fn)) ∼ − 1 √ 2π Γ(n − 3/2) log2 n as n → ∞.

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Theorem A MB-Vogtmann (2019) χ(Out(Fn)) < 0 for all n ≥ 2 χ(Out(Fn)) ∼ − 1 √ 2π Γ(n − 3/2) log2 n as n → ∞. which settles the initial conjecture by Smillie-Vogtmann (1987). Immediate questions:

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Theorem A MB-Vogtmann (2019) χ(Out(Fn)) < 0 for all n ≥ 2 χ(Out(Fn)) ∼ − 1 √ 2π Γ(n − 3/2) log2 n as n → ∞. which settles the initial conjecture by Smillie-Vogtmann (1987). Immediate questions: ⇒ Huge amount of unstable homology in odd dimensions.

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Theorem A MB-Vogtmann (2019) χ(Out(Fn)) < 0 for all n ≥ 2 χ(Out(Fn)) ∼ − 1 √ 2π Γ(n − 3/2) log2 n as n → ∞. which settles the initial conjecture by Smillie-Vogtmann (1987). Immediate questions: ⇒ Huge amount of unstable homology in odd dimensions.

  • Only one odd-dimensional class known Bartholdi (2016).

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Theorem A MB-Vogtmann (2019) χ(Out(Fn)) < 0 for all n ≥ 2 χ(Out(Fn)) ∼ − 1 √ 2π Γ(n − 3/2) log2 n as n → ∞. which settles the initial conjecture by Smillie-Vogtmann (1987). Immediate questions: ⇒ Huge amount of unstable homology in odd dimensions.

  • Only one odd-dimensional class known Bartholdi (2016).
  • Where does all this homology come from?

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This Theorem A follows from an implicit expression for χ(Out(Fn)):

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This Theorem A follows from an implicit expression for χ(Out(Fn)): Theorem B MB-Vogtmann (2019) √ 2πe−NNN ∼

  • k≥0

ak(−1)kΓ(N + 1/2 − k) as N → ∞ where

  • k≥0

akzk = exp  

n≥0

χ(Out(Fn+1))zn  

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This Theorem A follows from an implicit expression for χ(Out(Fn)): Theorem B MB-Vogtmann (2019) √ 2πe−NNN ∼

  • k≥0

ak(−1)kΓ(N + 1/2 − k) as N → ∞ where

  • k≥0

akzk = exp  

n≥0

χ(Out(Fn+1))zn   ⇒ χ(Out(Fn)) are the coefficients of an asymptotic expansion.

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This Theorem A follows from an implicit expression for χ(Out(Fn)): Theorem B MB-Vogtmann (2019) √ 2πe−NNN ∼

  • k≥0

ak(−1)kΓ(N + 1/2 − k) as N → ∞ where

  • k≥0

akzk = exp  

n≥0

χ(Out(Fn+1))zn   ⇒ χ(Out(Fn)) are the coefficients of an asymptotic expansion.

  • An analytic argument is needed to prove Theorem A from

Theorem B.

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This Theorem A follows from an implicit expression for χ(Out(Fn)): Theorem B MB-Vogtmann (2019) √ 2πe−NNN ∼

  • k≥0

ak(−1)kΓ(N + 1/2 − k) as N → ∞ where

  • k≥0

akzk = exp  

n≥0

χ(Out(Fn+1))zn   ⇒ χ(Out(Fn)) are the coefficients of an asymptotic expansion.

  • An analytic argument is needed to prove Theorem A from

Theorem B.

  • In this talk: Focus on proof of Theorem B

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Analogy to the mapping class group

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Harer-Zagier formula for χ(MCG(Sg))

Similar result for the mapping class group/moduli space of curves:

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Harer-Zagier formula for χ(MCG(Sg))

Similar result for the mapping class group/moduli space of curves: Theorem Harer-Zagier (1986) χ(Mg) = χ(MCG(Sg)) = B2g 4g(g − 1) g ≥ 2

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Harer-Zagier formula for χ(MCG(Sg))

Similar result for the mapping class group/moduli space of curves: Theorem Harer-Zagier (1986) χ(Mg) = χ(MCG(Sg)) = B2g 4g(g − 1) g ≥ 2

  • Original proof by Harer and Zagier in 1986.

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Harer-Zagier formula for χ(MCG(Sg))

Similar result for the mapping class group/moduli space of curves: Theorem Harer-Zagier (1986) χ(Mg) = χ(MCG(Sg)) = B2g 4g(g − 1) g ≥ 2

  • Original proof by Harer and Zagier in 1986.
  • Alternative proof using topological field theory (TFT) by

Penner (1988).

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Harer-Zagier formula for χ(MCG(Sg))

Similar result for the mapping class group/moduli space of curves: Theorem Harer-Zagier (1986) χ(Mg) = χ(MCG(Sg)) = B2g 4g(g − 1) g ≥ 2

  • Original proof by Harer and Zagier in 1986.
  • Alternative proof using topological field theory (TFT) by

Penner (1988).

  • Simplified proof by Kontsevich (1992) based on TFT’s.

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Harer-Zagier formula for χ(MCG(Sg))

Similar result for the mapping class group/moduli space of curves: Theorem Harer-Zagier (1986) χ(Mg) = χ(MCG(Sg)) = B2g 4g(g − 1) g ≥ 2

  • Original proof by Harer and Zagier in 1986.
  • Alternative proof using topological field theory (TFT) by

Penner (1988).

  • Simplified proof by Kontsevich (1992) based on TFT’s.

⇒ Kontsevich’s proof served as a blueprint for χ(Out(Fn)).

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Kontsevich’s argument

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Kontsevich’s argument

  • We have the identity by Kontsevich (1992):
  • g,n

χ(Mg,n) n! z2−2g−n =

  • connected graphs G

(−1)|VG | | Aut G| zχ(G).

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Kontsevich’s argument

  • We have the identity by Kontsevich (1992):
  • g,n

χ(Mg,n) n! z2−2g−n =

  • connected graphs G

(−1)|VG | | Aut G| zχ(G).

  • Kontsevich proved this using a combinatorial model of Mg,n

by Penner (1986) based on ribbon graphs.

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Kontsevich’s argument

  • We have the identity by Kontsevich (1992):
  • g,n

χ(Mg,n) n! z2−2g−n =

  • connected graphs G

(−1)|VG | | Aut G| zχ(G).

  • Kontsevich proved this using a combinatorial model of Mg,n

by Penner (1986) based on ribbon graphs.

19

h.COM

1xlr1

I

get

n

1

M

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Kontsevich’s argument

  • We have the identity by Kontsevich (1992):
  • g,n

χ(Mg,n) n! z2−2g−n =

  • connected graphs G

(−1)|VG | | Aut G| zχ(G).

  • Kontsevich proved this using a combinatorial model of Mg,n

by Penner (1986) based on ribbon graphs.

  • The expression on the right hand side can be evaluated using

a ‘topological field theory’:

  • connected graphs G

(−1)|VG | | Aut G| zχ(G) = log

  • 1

√ 2πz

  • R

ez(1+x−ex)dx

  • =
  • k≥1

ζ(−k) −k z−k

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Kontsevich’s argument

  • We have the identity by Kontsevich (1992):
  • g,n

χ(Mg,n) n! z2−2g−n =

  • connected graphs G

(−1)|VG | | Aut G| zχ(G).

  • Kontsevich proved this using a combinatorial model of Mg,n

by Penner (1986) based on ribbon graphs.

  • The expression on the right hand side can be evaluated using

a ‘topological field theory’:

  • connected graphs G

(−1)|VG | | Aut G| zχ(G) = log

  • 1

√ 2πz

  • R

ez(1+x−ex)dx

  • =
  • k≥1

ζ(−k) −k z−k

19

I

TFT

action

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SLIDE 76

Kontsevich’s argument

  • We have the identity by Kontsevich (1992):
  • g,n

χ(Mg,n) n! z2−2g−n =

  • connected graphs G

(−1)|VG | | Aut G| zχ(G).

  • Kontsevich proved this using a combinatorial model of Mg,n

by Penner (1986) based on ribbon graphs.

  • The expression on the right hand side can be evaluated using

a ‘topological field theory’:

  • connected graphs G

(−1)|VG | | Aut G| zχ(G) = log

  • 1

√ 2πz

  • R

ez(1+x−ex)dx

  • =
  • k≥1

ζ(−k) −k z−k

  • The formula for χ(Mg,n) follows via the short exact sequence

1 → π1(Sg,n) → Mg,n+1 → Mg,n → 1

19

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SLIDE 77

Kontsevich’s argument

  • We have the identity by Kontsevich (1992):
  • g,n

χ(Mg,n) n! z2−2g−n =

  • connected graphs G

(−1)|VG | | Aut G| zχ(G).

  • Kontsevich proved this using a combinatorial model of Mg,n

by Penner (1986) based on ribbon graphs.

  • The expression on the right hand side can be evaluated using

a ‘topological field theory’:

  • connected graphs G

(−1)|VG | | Aut G| zχ(G) = log

  • 1

√ 2πz

  • R

ez(1+x−ex)dx

  • =
  • k≥1

ζ(−k) −k z−k

  • The formula for χ(Mg,n) follows via the short exact sequence

1 → π1(Sg,n) → Mg,n+1 → Mg,n → 1

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An algebraic viewpoint

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An algebraic viewpoint

  • Let H be the Q-vector space spanned by a set of graphs:

H = Q ∅

  • =:I

+ Q + Q + . . .

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An algebraic viewpoint

  • Let H be the Q-vector space spanned by a set of graphs:

H = Q ∅

  • =:I

+ Q + Q + . . .

  • Here: only connected graphs with 3-or-higher-valent vertices.

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SLIDE 81

An algebraic viewpoint

  • Let H be the Q-vector space spanned by a set of graphs:

H = Q ∅

  • =:I

+ Q + Q + . . .

  • Here: only connected graphs with 3-or-higher-valent vertices.
  • g,n

χ(Mg,n) n! z2−2g−n = φ(X) where X :=

  • G

G | Aut G|zχ(G) ∈ H[[z−1]] and φ : H → Q, G → (−1)|VG |

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An algebraic viewpoint

  • Let H be the Q-vector space spanned by a set of graphs:

H = Q ∅

  • =:I

+ Q + Q + . . .

  • Here: only connected graphs with 3-or-higher-valent vertices.
  • g,n

χ(Mg,n) n! z2−2g−n = φ(X) where X :=

  • G

G | Aut G|zχ(G) ∈ H[[z−1]] and φ : H → Q, G → (−1)|VG | ⇒ φ is very simple and easy to handle via topological field theory.

20

slide-83
SLIDE 83
  • For Out(Fn), we find that
  • n≥1

χ(Out(Fn+1))z−n = τ(X) with X as before and τ : H → Q, G →

  • f ⊂G

(−1)|Ef | where the sum is over all forests (acyclic subgraphs) of G.

21

slide-84
SLIDE 84
  • For Out(Fn), we find that
  • n≥1

χ(Out(Fn+1))z−n = τ(X) with X as before and τ : H → Q, G →

  • f ⊂G

(−1)|Ef | where the sum is over all forests (acyclic subgraphs) of G. ⇒ Not directly approachable with a TFT...

21

slide-85
SLIDE 85
  • For Out(Fn), we find that
  • n≥1

χ(Out(Fn+1))z−n = τ(X) with X as before and τ : H → Q, G →

  • f ⊂G

(−1)|Ef | where the sum is over all forests (acyclic subgraphs) of G. ⇒ Not directly approachable with a TFT...

  • The necessary combinatorial model is the ‘forest collapse’

construction by Culler-Vogtmann (1986).

21

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SLIDE 86

The Hopf algebra of graphs

22

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SLIDE 87

The Hopf algebra of graphs

  • With disjoint union of graphs

m : H ⊗ H → H, G1 ⊗ G2 → G1 ⊎ G2 as multiplication, the empty graph ∅ associated with the neutral element I,

22

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SLIDE 88

The Hopf algebra of graphs

  • With disjoint union of graphs

m : H ⊗ H → H, G1 ⊗ G2 → G1 ⊎ G2 as multiplication, the empty graph ∅ associated with the neutral element I,

  • and the coproduct ∆ : H → H ⊗ H,

∆ : G →

  • g⊂G

bridgeless g

g ⊗ G/g, where the sum is over all bridgeless subgraphs,

22

slide-89
SLIDE 89

The Hopf algebra of graphs

  • With disjoint union of graphs

m : H ⊗ H → H, G1 ⊗ G2 → G1 ⊎ G2 as multiplication, the empty graph ∅ associated with the neutral element I,

  • and the coproduct ∆ : H → H ⊗ H,

∆ : G →

  • g⊂G

bridgeless g

g ⊗ G/g, where the sum is over all bridgeless subgraphs,

  • the vector space H becomes the core Hopf algebra of graphs

Kreimer (2009), which is closely related to the Hopf algebra

  • f renormalization in quantum field theory.

22

slide-90
SLIDE 90

23

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SLIDE 91
  • Characters, i.e. linear maps ψ : H → A which fulfill

ψ(I) = IA form a group under the convolution product, ψ ⋆ µ = m ◦ (ψ ⊗ µ) ◦ ∆

23

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SLIDE 92
  • Characters, i.e. linear maps ψ : H → A which fulfill

ψ(I) = IA form a group under the convolution product, ψ ⋆ µ = m ◦ (ψ ⊗ µ) ◦ ∆ Theorem MB-Vogtmann (2020) The map φ associated to Mg,n and the map τ associated to Out(Fn) are mutually inverse elements under this group: τ = φ⋆−1 φ = τ ⋆−1

23

envoy

  • CS
slide-93
SLIDE 93
  • Characters, i.e. linear maps ψ : H → A which fulfill

ψ(I) = IA form a group under the convolution product, ψ ⋆ µ = m ◦ (ψ ⊗ µ) ◦ ∆ Theorem MB-Vogtmann (2020) The map φ associated to Mg,n and the map τ associated to Out(Fn) are mutually inverse elements under this group: τ = φ⋆−1 φ = τ ⋆−1

  • That means τ is the renormalized version of φ.

23

slide-94
SLIDE 94
  • Recall that χ(Mg,n) is explicitly encoded by a TFT:
  • g,n

χ(Mg,n) n! z2−2g−n = φ(X) = log

  • 1

√ 2πz

  • R

ez(1+x−ex)dx

  • 24
slide-95
SLIDE 95
  • Recall that χ(Mg,n) is explicitly encoded by a TFT:
  • g,n

χ(Mg,n) n! z2−2g−n = φ(X) = log

  • 1

√ 2πz

  • R

ez(1+x−ex)dx

  • The duality between φ and τ implies that χ(Out(Fn)) is

encoded by the renormalization of the same TFT: 0 = log

  • 1

√ 2πz

  • R

ez(1+x−ex)+ x

2 +T(−zex)dx

  • where T(z) =

n≥1 χ(Out(Fn+1))z−n. 24

slide-96
SLIDE 96
  • Recall that χ(Mg,n) is explicitly encoded by a TFT:
  • g,n

χ(Mg,n) n! z2−2g−n = φ(X) = log

  • 1

√ 2πz

  • R

ez(1+x−ex)dx

  • The duality between φ and τ implies that χ(Out(Fn)) is

encoded by the renormalization of the same TFT: 0 = log

  • 1

√ 2πz

  • R

ez(1+x−ex)+ x

2 +T(−zex)dx

  • where T(z) =

n≥1 χ(Out(Fn+1))z−n. 24

renormalized

TFT

action

slide-97
SLIDE 97
  • Recall that χ(Mg,n) is explicitly encoded by a TFT:
  • g,n

χ(Mg,n) n! z2−2g−n = φ(X) = log

  • 1

√ 2πz

  • R

ez(1+x−ex)dx

  • The duality between φ and τ implies that χ(Out(Fn)) is

encoded by the renormalization of the same TFT: 0 = log

  • 1

√ 2πz

  • R

ez(1+x−ex)+ x

2 +T(−zex)dx

  • where T(z) =

n≥1 χ(Out(Fn+1))z−n.

  • This TFT encodes the statement of Theorem 2 and gives an

implicit encoding of the numbers χ(Out(Fn)).

24

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SLIDE 98

Outlook: The naive Euler characteristic

25

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SLIDE 99

Outlook: The naive Euler characteristic

The ‘naive’ Euler characteristic

  • χ(Out Fn) =
  • k

(−1)k dim Hk(Out Fn; Q) is harder to analyse than the rational Euler characteristic.

25

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SLIDE 100

Outlook: The naive Euler characteristic

The ‘naive’ Euler characteristic

  • χ(Out Fn) =
  • k

(−1)k dim Hk(Out Fn; Q) is harder to analyse than the rational Euler characteristic.

  • χ(Out Fn) =
  • σ

χ(Cσ) sum over conjugacy elements of finite order in Out Fn and Cσ is the centralizer corresponding σ Brown (1982).

25

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SLIDE 101

Outlook: The naive Euler characteristic

The ‘naive’ Euler characteristic

  • χ(Out Fn) =
  • k

(−1)k dim Hk(Out Fn; Q) is harder to analyse than the rational Euler characteristic.

  • χ(Out Fn) =
  • σ

χ(Cσ) sum over conjugacy elements of finite order in Out Fn and Cσ is the centralizer corresponding σ Brown (1982). ⇒ Preliminary investigations on Cσ indicate that lim

n→∞

  • χ(Out Fn)

χ(Out Fn) = c > 0

25

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SLIDE 102

Contributions and open questions

Short summary:

26

slide-103
SLIDE 103

Contributions and open questions

Short summary:

  • χ(Out(Fn)) = 0

26

slide-104
SLIDE 104

Contributions and open questions

Short summary:

  • χ(Out(Fn)) = 0

Open questions:

  • The rapid growth of χ(Out(Fn)) indicates that there is much

unstable homology.

26

slide-105
SLIDE 105

Contributions and open questions

Short summary:

  • χ(Out(Fn)) = 0

Open questions:

  • The rapid growth of χ(Out(Fn)) indicates that there is much

unstable homology. Preliminary investigations into the χ(Out(Fn)) support this.

26

slide-106
SLIDE 106

Contributions and open questions

Short summary:

  • χ(Out(Fn)) = 0

Open questions:

  • The rapid growth of χ(Out(Fn)) indicates that there is much

unstable homology. Preliminary investigations into the χ(Out(Fn)) support this. What generates it?

26

slide-107
SLIDE 107

Contributions and open questions

Short summary:

  • χ(Out(Fn)) = 0

Open questions:

  • The rapid growth of χ(Out(Fn)) indicates that there is much

unstable homology. Preliminary investigations into the χ(Out(Fn)) support this. What generates it?

  • The TFT analysis indicates a non-trivial ‘duality’ between

MCG(Sg) and Out(Fn). Obvious candidate: Koszul duality (?)

26

slide-108
SLIDE 108

Contributions and open questions

Short summary:

  • χ(Out(Fn)) = 0

Open questions:

  • The rapid growth of χ(Out(Fn)) indicates that there is much

unstable homology. Preliminary investigations into the χ(Out(Fn)) support this. What generates it?

  • The TFT analysis indicates a non-trivial ‘duality’ between

MCG(Sg) and Out(Fn). Obvious candidate: Koszul duality (?)

  • Can renormalized TFT arguments also be used for other

groups and for finer invariants? For instance RAAGs or explicit homology groups.

26

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SLIDE 109

Bonus: Sketch of Kontsevich’s TFT proof of the Harer-Zagier formula

slide-110
SLIDE 110

Step 1 of Kontsevich’s proof

Generalize from Mg to Mg,n, the moduli space of surfaces of genus g and n punctures.

27

slide-111
SLIDE 111

Step 1 of Kontsevich’s proof

Generalize from Mg to Mg,n, the moduli space of surfaces of genus g and n punctures. We can ‘forget one puncture’: MCG(Sg,n+1) → MCG(Sg,n)

27

slide-112
SLIDE 112

Step 1 of Kontsevich’s proof

Generalize from Mg to Mg,n, the moduli space of surfaces of genus g and n punctures. We can ‘forget one puncture’: 1 → π1(Sg,n) → MCG(Sg,n+1) → MCG(Sg,n) → 1 ⇒ χ(MCG(Sg,n+1)) = χ(Mg,n+1) = χ(π1(Sg,n)) χ(Mg,n)

27

slide-113
SLIDE 113

Step 1 of Kontsevich’s proof

Generalize from Mg to Mg,n, the moduli space of surfaces of genus g and n punctures. We can ‘forget one puncture’: 1 → π1(Sg,n) → MCG(Sg,n+1) → MCG(Sg,n) → 1 ⇒ χ(MCG(Sg,n+1)) = χ(Mg,n+1) = χ(π1(Sg,n))

  • =2−2g−n

χ(Mg,n)

27

slide-114
SLIDE 114

Step 2 of Kontsevich’s proof

  • Use a combinatorial model for Mg,n

28

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SLIDE 115

Step 2 of Kontsevich’s proof

  • Use a combinatorial model for Mg,n

⇒ Ribbon graphs Penner (1986)

28

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SLIDE 116

Step 2 of Kontsevich’s proof

  • Use a combinatorial model for Mg,n

⇒ Ribbon graphs Penner (1986) Every point in Mg,n can be associated with a ribbon graph Γ such that

  • Γ has n boundary components: h0(∂Γ) = n
  • χ(Γ) = |VΓ| − |EΓ| = 2 − 2g − n.

28

slide-117
SLIDE 117

Step 2 of Kontsevich’s proof

  • Use a combinatorial model for Mg,n

⇒ Ribbon graphs Penner (1986) Every point in Mg,n can be associated with a ribbon graph Γ such that

  • Γ has n boundary components: h0(∂Γ) = n
  • χ(Γ) = |VΓ| − |EΓ| = 2 − 2g − n.

⇒ Γ can be interpreted as a surface of genus g with n punctures.

28

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1xlr1

I

get

n

1

slide-118
SLIDE 118

Step 2 of Kontsevich’s proof

  • Use a combinatorial model for Mg,n

⇒ Ribbon graphs Penner (1986) Every point in Mg,n can be associated with a ribbon graph Γ such that

  • Γ has n boundary components: h0(∂Γ) = n
  • χ(Γ) = |VΓ| − |EΓ| = 2 − 2g − n.

⇒ Γ can be interpreted as a surface of genus g with n punctures.

28

slide-119
SLIDE 119

Step 3 of Kontsevich’s proof

χ(Mg,n) =

  • σ

(−1)dim(σ) | Stab(σ)|

29

dimension of resp

strata

Unl mod2

i

Stabilizer under

Sam

  • ur

representatives of

action at MLG

cells

  • f leg

a

Haut MI ribbon graphs on

slide-120
SLIDE 120

Step 3 of Kontsevich’s proof

χ(Mg,n) =

  • σ

(−1)dim(σ) | Stab(σ)|

29

slide-121
SLIDE 121

Step 3 of Kontsevich’s proof

χ(Mg,n) =

  • σ

(−1)dim(σ) | Stab(σ)| =

  • Γ

h0(∂Γ)=n χ(Γ)=2−2g−n

(−1)|VΓ| | Aut Γ|

29

slide-122
SLIDE 122

Step 3 of Kontsevich’s proof

χ(Mg,n) =

  • σ

(−1)dim(σ) | Stab(σ)| =

  • Γ

h0(∂Γ)=n χ(Γ)=2−2g−n

(−1)|VΓ| | Aut Γ| Used by Penner (1988) to calculate χ(Mg) with Matrix models.

29

slide-123
SLIDE 123

Step 4 of Kontsevich’s proof

Kontsevich’s simplification:

  • g,n

χ(Mg,n) n! z2−2g−n

30

slide-124
SLIDE 124

Step 4 of Kontsevich’s proof

Kontsevich’s simplification:

  • g,n

χ(Mg,n) n! z2−2g−n =

  • g,n
  • ribbon graphs Γ

h0(∂Γ)=n χ(Γ)=2−2g−n

(−1)|VΓ| | Aut Γ| 1 n!zχ(Γ)

30

slide-125
SLIDE 125

Step 4 of Kontsevich’s proof

Kontsevich’s simplification:

  • g,n

χ(Mg,n) n! z2−2g−n =

  • g,n
  • ribbon graphs Γ

h0(∂Γ)=n χ(Γ)=2−2g−n

(−1)|VΓ| | Aut Γ| 1 n!zχ(Γ) =

  • graphs G

(−1)|VG | | Aut G| zχ(G)

30

slide-126
SLIDE 126

Step 4 of Kontsevich’s proof

Kontsevich’s simplification:

  • g,n

χ(Mg,n) n! z2−2g−n =

  • g,n
  • ribbon graphs Γ

h0(∂Γ)=n χ(Γ)=2−2g−n

(−1)|VΓ| | Aut Γ| 1 n!zχ(Γ) =

  • graphs G

(−1)|VG | | Aut G| zχ(G) This is the perturbative series of a simple TFT: = log

  • 1

√ 2πz

  • R

ez(1+x−ex)dx

  • 30
slide-127
SLIDE 127

Step 4 of Kontsevich’s proof

Kontsevich’s simplification:

  • g,n

χ(Mg,n) n! z2−2g−n =

  • g,n
  • ribbon graphs Γ

h0(∂Γ)=n χ(Γ)=2−2g−n

(−1)|VΓ| | Aut Γ| 1 n!zχ(Γ) =

  • graphs G

(−1)|VG | | Aut G| zχ(G) This is the perturbative series of a simple TFT: = log

  • 1

√ 2πz

  • R

ez(1+x−ex)dx

  • Evaluation is classic (Stirling/Euler-Maclaurin formulas)

=

  • k≥1

ζ(−k) −k z−k

30

slide-128
SLIDE 128

Last step of Kontsevich’s proof

  • g,n

2−2g−n=k

χ(Mg,n) n! = Bk+1 k(k + 1)

31

slide-129
SLIDE 129

Last step of Kontsevich’s proof

  • g,n

2−2g−n=k

χ(Mg,n) n! = Bk+1 k(k + 1) ⇒ recover Harer-Zagier formula using the identity χ(Mg,n+1) = (2 − 2g − n)χ(Mg,n)

31

slide-130
SLIDE 130

Analogous proof strategy for χ(Out(Fn)) using renormalized TFTs

slide-131
SLIDE 131

Step 1

Generalize from Out(Fn) to An,s and from On to On,s, Outer space of graphs of rank n and s legs. Contant, Kassabov, Vogtmann (2011)

32

slide-132
SLIDE 132

Step 1

Generalize from Out(Fn) to An,s and from On to On,s, Outer space of graphs of rank n and s legs. Contant, Kassabov, Vogtmann (2011) Forgetting a leg gives the short exact sequence of groups 1 → Fn → An,s → An,s−1 → 1

32

d

9,3

c Q

I

c On

slide-133
SLIDE 133

Step 2

  • Use a combinatorial model for Gn,s

33

slide-134
SLIDE 134

Step 2

  • Use a combinatorial model for Gn,s

⇒ graphs with a forest Smillie-Vogtmann (1987):

33

slide-135
SLIDE 135

Step 2

  • Use a combinatorial model for Gn,s

⇒ graphs with a forest Smillie-Vogtmann (1987): A point in Gn,s can be associated with a pair of a graph G and a forest f ⊂ G.

33

slide-136
SLIDE 136

Step 2

  • Use a combinatorial model for Gn,s

⇒ graphs with a forest Smillie-Vogtmann (1987): A point in Gn,s can be associated with a pair of a graph G and a forest f ⊂ G. (G, f )

33

too

graph T forest

slide-137
SLIDE 137

Step 3

χ(An,s) =

  • σ

(−1)dim(σ) | Stab(σ)|

34

slide-138
SLIDE 138

Step 3

χ(An,s) =

  • σ

(−1)dim(σ) | Stab(σ)|

34

dimension of resp

strata

fl

i

Stabilizer under

sum

  • ur

representatives of

action at An s

cells

  • f

Onstar

TAUNG f I

legged graphs 6

with

forest f

slide-139
SLIDE 139

Step 3

χ(An,s) =

  • σ

(−1)dim(σ) | Stab(σ)| =

  • graphs G

with s legs rank(π1(G))=n

  • forests f ⊂G

(−1)|Ef | | Aut G|

34

slide-140
SLIDE 140

Step 4

Renormalized TFT interpretation MB-Vogtmann (2019): χ(An,s) =

  • graphs G

with s legs rank(π1(G))=n

1 | Aut G|

  • forests f ⊂G

(−1)|Ef |

35

slide-141
SLIDE 141

Step 4

Renormalized TFT interpretation MB-Vogtmann (2019): χ(An,s) =

  • graphs G

with s legs rank(π1(G))=n

1 | Aut G|

  • forests f ⊂G

(−1)|Ef |

  • =:τ(G)

35

slide-142
SLIDE 142

Step 4

Renormalized TFT interpretation MB-Vogtmann (2019): χ(An,s) =

  • graphs G

with s legs rank(π1(G))=n

1 | Aut G|

  • forests f ⊂G

(−1)|Ef |

  • =:τ(G)

τ fulfills the identities τ(∅) = 1 and

  • g⊂G

g bridgeless

τ(g)(−1)|EG/g| = 0 for all G = ∅

35

slide-143
SLIDE 143

Step 4

Renormalized TFT interpretation MB-Vogtmann (2019): χ(An,s) =

  • graphs G

with s legs rank(π1(G))=n

1 | Aut G|

  • forests f ⊂G

(−1)|Ef |

  • =:τ(G)

τ fulfills the identities τ(∅) = 1 and

  • g⊂G

g bridgeless

τ(g)(−1)|EG/g| = 0 for all G = ∅ ⇒ τ is an inverse of a character in a Connes-Kreimer-type renormalization Hopf algebra. Connes-Kreimer (2001)

35

slide-144
SLIDE 144

Step 4

Renormalized TFT interpretation MB-Vogtmann (2019): χ(An,s) =

  • graphs G

with s legs rank(π1(G))=n

1 | Aut G|

  • forests f ⊂G

(−1)|Ef |

  • =:τ(G)

τ fulfills the identities τ(∅) = 1 and

  • g⊂G

g bridgeless

τ(g)(−1)|EG/g| = 0 for all G = ∅ ⇒ τ is an inverse of a character in a Connes-Kreimer-type renormalization Hopf algebra. Connes-Kreimer (2001) The group invariants χ(An,s) are encoded in a renormalized TFT.

35

slide-145
SLIDE 145

TFT evaluation

Let T(z, x) =

  • n,s≥0

χ(An,s)z1−n xs s!

36

slide-146
SLIDE 146

TFT evaluation

Let T(z, x) =

  • n,s≥0

χ(An,s)z1−n xs s! then 1 = 1 √ 2πz

  • R

eT(z,x)dx

36

slide-147
SLIDE 147

TFT evaluation

Let T(z, x) =

  • n,s≥0

χ(An,s)z1−n xs s! then 1 = 1 √ 2πz

  • R

eT(z,x)dx Using the short exact sequence, 1 → Fn → An,s → An,s−1 → 1 results in the action 1 = 1 √ 2πz

  • R

ez(1+x−ex)+ x

2 +T(−zex)dx

where T(z) =

n≥1 χ(Out(Fn+1))z−n. 36

slide-148
SLIDE 148

TFT evaluation

Let T(z, x) =

  • n,s≥0

χ(An,s)z1−n xs s! then 1 = 1 √ 2πz

  • R

eT(z,x)dx Using the short exact sequence, 1 → Fn → An,s → An,s−1 → 1 results in the action 1 = 1 √ 2πz

  • R

ez(1+x−ex)+ x

2 +T(−zex)dx

where T(z) =

n≥1 χ(Out(Fn+1))z−n.

This gives the implicit result in Theorem B.

36