A note on geometric constructions of bi-invariant orderings
arXiv:1005.3870 · doi:10.1016/j.topol.2011.01.015
Abstract
We construct bi-invariant total orderings of residually torsion-free nilpotent groups by using Chen's iterated integrals. This construction can be seen as a generalization of the Magnus ordering of the free groups, and equivalent to the classical construction which uses an iteration of central extensions. Our geometric construction provides a connection between bi-orderings and the rational homotopy theory.
10 pages, no figures; add more explanations for the relationship to the classical construction