A model-independent Gray tensor product for $(\infty,2)$-categories

Abstract

We construct a (lax) Gray tensor product of $(\infty,2)$-categories and characterize it via a model-independent universal property. Namely, it is the unique monoidal biclosed structure on the $\infty$-category of $(\infty,2)$-categories which agrees with the classical Gray tensor product of strict 2-categories when restricted to the Gray cubes (i.e. the Gray tensor powers $[1]^{\otimes n}$ of the arrow category).