Infinity Algebras, Cohomology and Cyclic Cohomology, and Infinitesimal Deformations

An A-infinity algebra is given by a codifferential on the tensor coalgebra of a (graded) vector space. An associative algebra is a special case of an A-infinity algebra, determined by a quadratic codifferential. The notions of Hochschild and cyclic cohomology generalize from associative to A-infinity algebras, and classify the infinitesimal deformations of the algebra, and those deformations preserving an invariant inner product, respectively. Similarly, an L-infinity algebra is given by a codifferential on the exterior coalgebra of a vector space, with Lie algebras being special cases given by quadratic codifferentials. There are natural definitions of cohomology and cyclic cohomology, generalizing the usual Lie algebra cohomology and cyclic cohomology, which classify deformations of the algebra and those which preserve an invariant inner product. This article explores the definitions of these infinity algebras, their cohomology and cyclic cohomology, and the relation to their infinitesimal deformations.