Embeddability of higher-rank graphs in groupoids, and the structure of their C*-algebras

Abstract

We show that the C*-algebra of a row-finite source-free k-graph is Rieffel-Morita equivalent to a crossed product of an AF algebra by the fundamental group of the k-graph. When the k-graph embeds in its fundamental groupoid, this AF algebra is a Fell algebra; and simple-connectedness of a certain sub-1-graph characterises when this Fell algebra is Rieffel--Morita equivalent to a commutative C*-algebra. We provide a substantial suite of results for determining if a given k-graph embeds in its fundamental groupoid, and provide a large class of examples, arising via work of Cartwright, Robertson, Steger et al. from the theory of $\tilde{A_2}$-groups, that do embed.