Homotopy classification of Leavitt path algebras

Abstract

In this paper we address the classification problem for purely infinite simple Leavitt path algebras of finite graphs over a field $\ell$. Each graph $E$ has associated a Leavitt path $\ell$-algebra $L(E)$. There is an open question which asks whether the pair $(K_0(L(E)),[1_{L(E)}])$, consisting of the Grothendieck group together with the class $[1_{L(E)}]$ of the identity, is a complete invariant for the classification, up to algebra isomorphism, of those Leavitt path algebras of finite graphs which are purely infinite simple. We show that $(K_0(L(E)),[1_{L(E)}])$ is a complete invariant for the classification of such algebras up to polynomial homotopy equivalence. To prove this we develop the bivariant algebraic $K$-theory of Leavitt path algebras and obtain several results of independent interest.

24 pages. Version 2 streamlined; shortened to 22 pages