S-construction

In mathematics, specifically in algebraic K-theory, the Waldhausen S-construction produces from a Waldhausen category C a sequence of Kan complexes $S_n(C)$, which forms a spectrum. Let $K(C)$ denote the loop space of the geometric realization $|S_*(C)|$ of $S_*(C)$. Then the group

$\pi_n K(C) = \pi_{n+1} |S_*(C)|$

is the n-th K-group of C. Thus, it gives a way to define higher K-groups. Another approach for higher K-theory is Quillen's Q-construction.

The construction is due to Friedhelm Waldhausen.

See also

• Complete Segal space

References

• F. Waldhausen, Algebraic K-theory of spaces, Alg. and Geo. Top., Springer Lect. Notes Math. 1126 (1985), 318–419, pdf.
• Lurie, J., Higher K-Theory of ∞-Categories (Lecture 16)

External links

• https://ncatlab.org/nlab/show/Waldhausen+S-construction