The localisation theorem for the $\mathrm{K}$-theory of stable $\infty$-categories

Abstract

We provide a fairly self-contained account of the localisation and cofinality theorems for the algebraic $\mathrm{K}$-theory of stable $\infty$-categories. It is based on a general formula for the evaluation of an additive functor on a Verdier quotient closely following work of Waldhausen. We also include a new proof of the additivity theorem of $\mathrm{K}$-theory, strongly inspired by Ranicki's algebraic Thom construction, a short proof of the universality theorem of Blumberg, Gepner and Tabuada, and demonstrate that the cofinality theorem can be derived from the universal property alone.

27 pages, v2: minor revision following a referee report; to appear in Proceedings of the RSE, Ranicki memorial issue