English

Comparing fat graph models of moduli space

Algebraic Topology 2015-08-17 v1 Geometric Topology Quantum Algebra

Abstract

Godin introduced the categories of open closed fat graphs FatocFat^{oc} and admissible fat graphs FatadFat^{ad} as models of the mapping class group of open closed cobordism. We use the contractibility of the arc complex to give a new proof of Godin's result that FatadFat^{ad} is a model of the mapping class group of open-closed cobordisms. Similarly, Costello introduced a chain complex of black and white graphs BWBW-Graphs, as a rational homological model of mapping class groups. We use the result on admissible fat graphs to give a new integral proof of Costellos's result that BWBW-Graphs is a homological model of mapping class groups. The nature of this proof also provides a direct connection between both models which were previously only known to be abstractly equivalent. Furthermore, we endow Godin's model with a composition structure which models composition of cobordisms along their boundary and we use the connection between both models to give BWBW-Graphs a composition structure and show that BWBW-Graphs are actually a model for the open-closed cobordism category.

Cite

@article{arxiv.1508.03433,
  title  = {Comparing fat graph models of moduli space},
  author = {Daniela Egas Santander},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1508.03433},
  year   = {2015}
}

Comments

45 pages, 24 figures

R2 v1 2026-06-22T10:33:35.486Z