Grothendieck-Teichmüller Symmetries of Cyclic Operads and Tangles

Abstract

We identify the profinite Grothendieck-Teichmüller group $\widehat{\mathsf{GT}}$ with the group of homotopy automorphisms of the profinite completion of the cyclic operad of parenthesised ribbon braids. We transport this action to a profinite cyclic $\infty$-operad of framed configuration spaces. Using the metric prop associated to the cyclic ribbon-braid operad, we also obtain a $\widehat{\mathsf{GT}}$-action on a category of framed unoriented profinite tangles, and compare its prounipotent analogue with the action of Kassel and Turaev. Finally, the rational cyclic Grothendieck-Teichmüller action gives an alternative proof of the rational formality of the cyclic framed little-disks operad.

Substantial revision to the manuscript, 60 pages, 11 figures