The differential $\rm d_4(h_6^3)$ in the Adams spectral sequence for spheres

TL;DR

This paper determines a key differential in the Adams spectral sequence for spheres, resolving the differentials of certain elements and advancing understanding of stable homotopy groups.

Contribution

It establishes a non-trivial differential d_4(h_6^3) in the Adams spectral sequence, completing the characterization of differentials for h_i^3 for i≥4.

Findings

Identifies the differential d_4(h_6^3) = h_0^3g_4 in the Adams spectral sequence.

Completes the differential pattern for h_i^3 for all i≥4.

Uses Kevaire invariant elements to prove the differential.

Abstract

We show that there is a non-trivial differential $d_4(h_6^3) =h_0^3g_4$ in the mod 2 Adams spectral sequence for spheres. This together with the results in \cite{barratt_differentials_1970,lin_differential_1998,kan_differential_2001} completely settle the differentials of $h_i^3$ for $i\ge4$. (The differentials of $h_i^3$ for $i=0,1,2,3$ are well-known.) Our proof uses the Kevaire invariant elements $\theta_i \in\pi_{2^{i+1}-2}^S$ for $i=4,5$ with the properties $2\theta_4 =0$, $2\theta_5 =0$.