Scalability and asymptotic adjunction

Abstract: In this paper, we introduce relative Roe functors and show that for every pair of scalable proper metric spaces, the functor of continuous functions and the relative Roe functor, both associated with this pair, are asymptotically adjoint. While this asymptotic adjunction is weaker than the genuine one, it retains sufficient categorical properties to be intuitive and useful in applications. These results can be used to provide an unsuspended description of the Connes-Higson $E$-theory, establish connections between $E_{1}$-theory and extension theory, and express $K$-homology of compact metric spaces in terms the corresponding metric cones.