Symplectic operad geometry and graph homology

Abstract

A theorem of Kontsevich relates the homology of certain infinite dimensional Lie algebras to graph homology. We formulate this theorem using the language of reversible operads and mated species. All ideas are explained using a pictorial calculus of cuttings and matings. The Lie algebras are constructed as Hamiltonian functions on a symplectic operad manifold. And graph complexes are defined for any mated species. The general formulation gives us many examples including a graph homology for groups. We also speculate on the role of deformation theory for operads in this setting.