Smooth loops and loop bundles

Abstract

A loop is a rather general algebraic structure that has an identity element and division, but is not necessarily associative. Smooth loops are a direct generalization of Lie groups. A key example of a non-Lie smooth loop is the loop of unit octonions. In this paper, we study properties of smooth loops and their associated tangent algebras, including a loop analog of the Mauer-Cartan equation. Then, given a manifold, we introduce a loop bundle as an associated bundle to a particular principal bundle. Given a connection on the principal bundle, we define the torsion of a loop bundle structure and show how it relates to the curvature, and also consider the critical points of some related functionals. Throughout, we see how some of the known properties of $G_2$-structures can be seen from this more general setting.

101 pages, 3 figures