Algebraic & Geometric Topology 11 (2011) 1767–1780

DOI: 10.2140/agt.2011.11.1767

Abstract

The hit problem for a cohomology module over the Steenrod algebra A asks for a minimal set of A–generators for the module. In this paper we consider the symmetric algebras over the field F_p, for p an arbitrary prime, and treat the equivalent problem of determining the set of A^*–primitive elements in their duals. We produce a method for generating new primitives from known ones via a new action of the Kudo–Araki–May algebra K, and consider the K–module structure of the primitives, which form a sub K–algebra of the dual of the infinite symmetric algebra. Our examples show that the K–action on the primitives is not free. Our new action encompasses, on the finite symmetric algebras, the operators introduced by Kameko for studying the hit problem.

Keywords

hit problem, symmetric algebra, Steenrod algebra, Kudo–Araki–May algebra, Dyer–Lashof algebra, \mathitBO, \mathitBU

Mathematical Subject Classification

Primary: 16T05, 16T10, 16W22, 55R45, 55S10, 55S12

Secondary: 16W50, 55R40, 57T05, 57T10, 57T25

References

Publication

Received: 10 July 2010
Revised: 9 February 2011
Accepted: 6 March 2011
Published: 3 June 2011

Authors