We develop a generalization of the theory of Thom spectra using the language of infinity categories. This treatment exposes the conceptual underpinnings of the Thom spectrum functor: we use a new model of parametrized spectra, and our definition is m
otivated by the geometric definition of Thom spectra of May-Sigurdsson. For an associative ring spectrum $R$, we associate a Thom spectrum to a map of infinity categories from the infinity groupoid of a space $X$ to the infinity category of free rank one $R$-modules, which we show is a model for $BGL_1 R$; we show that $BGL_1 R$ classifies homotopy sheaves of rank one $R$-modules, which we call $R$-line bundles. We use our $R$-module Thom spectrum to define the twisted $R$-homology and cohomology of an $R$-line bundle over a space $X$, classified by a map from $X$ to $BGL_1 R$, and we recover the generalized theory of orientations in this context. In order to compare this approach to the classical theory, we characterize the Thom spectrum functor axiomatically, from the perspective of Morita theory. An earlier version of this paper was part of arXiv:0810.4535.
We extend the theory of Thom spectra and the associated obstruction theory for orientations in order to support the construction of the string orientation of tmf, the spectrum of topological modular forms. We also develop the analogous theory of Thom
spectra and orientations for associative ring spectra. Our work is based on a new model of the Thom spectrum as a derived smash product. An earlier version of this paper was part of arXiv:0810.4535.
We explore an approach to twisted generalized cohomology from the point of view of stable homotopy theory and quasicategory theory provided by arXiv:0810.4535. We explain the relationship to the twisted K-theory provided by Fredholm bundles. We show
how our approach allows us to twist elliptic cohomology by degree four classes, and more generally by maps to the four-stage Postnikov system BO<0...4>. We also discuss Poincare duality and umkehr maps in this setting.
We review and extend the theory of Thom spectra and the associated obstruction theory for orientations. We recall (from May, Quinn, and Ray) that a commutative ring spectrum A has a spectrum of units gl(A). To a map of spectra f: b -> bgl(A), we asso
ciate a commutative A-algebra Thom spectrum Mf, which admits a commutative A-algebra map to R if and only if b -> bgl(A) -> bgl(R) is null. If A is an associative ring spectrum, then to a map of spaces f: B -> BGL(A) we associate an A-module Thom spectrum Mf, which admits an R-orientation if and only if B -> BGL(A) -> BGL(R) is null. We also note that BGL(A) classifies the twists of A-theory. We develop and compare two approaches to the theory of Thom spectra. The first involves a rigidified model of A-infinity and E-infinity spaces. Our second approach is via infinity categories. In order to compare these approaches to one another and to the classical theory, we characterize the Thom spectrum functor from the perspective of Morita theory.
