Finite Complex Reflection Arrangements Are K ( Π , 1 )

Let V be a finite dimensional complex vector space and W ⊆ GL(V ) be a finite complex reflection group. Let V reg be the complement in V of the reflecting hyperplanes. We prove that V reg is a K(π, 1) space. This was predicted by a classical conjecture, originally stated by Brieskorn for complexified real reflection groups. The complexified real case follows from a theorem of Deligne and, after contributions by Nakamura and Orlik-Solomon, only six exceptional cases remained open. In addition to solving this six cases, our approach is applicable to most previously known cases, including complexified real groups for which we obtain a new proof, based on new geometric objects. We also address a number of questions about π1(W\V ), the braid group of W . This includes a description of periodic elements in terms of a braid analog of Springer’s theory of regular elements.