Odd Khovanov homology and higher representation theory

Abstract

We introduce a super analogue of ${\mathfrak{gl}}_2$-foams, and use it to define an invariant of oriented tangles, shown to coincide with odd Khovanov homology when restricted to links. We then define a supercategorification of the $q$-Schur algebra of level 2 and realize our construction as a certain super-2-representation. This gives a representation-theoretic construction of odd Khovanov homology, where signs naturally arise as a byproduct of the super-2-categorical structure. In the process, we define a tensor product for chain complexes in super-2-categories, suitably compatible with homotopies. This could be of independent interest.

arXiv comment60 pages, multiple colored figures, comments welcome!; v2: Corrected typos; v3: final version: corrected typos and the statement of remark 3.14. To appear in Quantum Topology