From homotopy to Ito calculus and Hodge theory

Abstract

We begin with a deformation of a differential graded algebra by adding time and using a homotopy. It is shown that the standard formulae of It\^o calculus are an example, with four caveats: First, it says nothing about probability. Second, it assumes smooth functions. Third, it deforms all orders of forms, not just first order. Fourth, it also deforms the product of the DGA. An isomorphism between the deformed and original DGAs may be interpreted as the transformation rule between the Stratonovich and classical calculus (again no probability). The isomorphism can be used to construct covariant derivatives with the deformed calculus. We apply the deformation in noncommutative geometry, to the Podle\'s sphere $S^2_q$. This involves the Hodge theory of $S^2_q$.