$A_\infty$-actions and Recognition of Relative Loop Spaces

Abstract

We show that relative loop spaces are recognized by $A_\infty$-actions. A certain version of the 2-sided bar construction is used to prove such recognition theorem. The operad ${\sf Act}_\infty$ of $A_\infty$-actions is presented in terms of the Boardman-Vogt resolution of the operad ${\sf Act}$. We exhibit an operad homotopy equivalence between such resolution and the $1$-dimensional Swiss-cheese operad $\mathcal{SC}_1$.