Operads of Wiring Diagrams

Wiring diagrams form a kind of graphical language that describes operations or processes with multiple inputs and outputs, and shows how such operations are wired together to form a larger and more complex operation. This monograph presents a comprehensive study of the combinatorial structure of the various operads of wiring diagrams, their algebras, and the relationships between these operads.

The book proves finite presentation theorems for operads of wiring diagrams as well as their algebras. These theorems describe the operad in terms of just a few operadic generators and a small number of generating relations. The author further explores recent trends in the application of operad theory to wiring diagrams and related structures, including finite presentations for the propagator algebra, the algebra of discrete systems, the algebra of open dynamical systems, and the relational algebra. A partial verification of David Spivak’s conjecture regarding the quotient-freeness of the relational algebra is also provided. In the final part, the author constructs operad maps between the various operads of wiring diagrams and identifies their images.

Assuming only basic knowledge of algebra, combinatorics, and set theory, this book is aimed at advanced undergraduate and graduate students as well as researchers working in operad theory and its applications. Numerous illustrations, examples, and practice exercises are included, making this a self-contained volume suitable for self-study.

Donald Yau is Professor of Mathematics at The Ohio State University at Newark. He obtained his PhD at MIT and held a post-doctoral position at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His research focuses on algebraic topology. He has so far authored five books and over 30 articles.