Stability and rigidity of 3-Lie algebra morphisms

Abstract: In this paper, first we use the higher derived brackets to construct an $L_\infty$-algebra, whose Maurer-Cartan elements are $3$-Lie algebra morphisms. Using the differential in the $L_\infty$-algebra that govern deformations of the morphism, we give the cohomology of a $3$-Lie algebra morphism. Then we study the rigidity and stability of $3$-Lie algebra morphisms using the established cohomology theory. In particular, we show that if the first cohomology group is trivial, then the morphism is rigid; if the second cohomology group is trivial, then the morphism is stable. Finally, we study the stability of $3$-Lie subalgebras similarly.