Alessandro Valentino (MPI Bonn)
Abstract: In this series of lectures I will give an introduction to Topological Quantum Field Theories (TQFTs) as first formalized by Atiyah and Segal, namely as functors from a geometric category of cobordism to some suitable symmetric monoidal categories. More specifically, I will introduce elements of $\infty$-category theory which will allow to discuss in unified way extended theories, and in particular fully extended TQFTs. The cobordism hypothesis, which allows to completely classify fully extended theories, will be discussed as well. I will also discuss TQFTs with boundary conditions, and the relevance of the theory of module categories for 2-tier extended TQFTs on maifolds with boundaries. Finally, I will present some applications to Chern-Simons theories and Dijkgraaf-Witten theory.
This Simons Lecture Course on Mathematical Physics (OCT 20 - 24 at 2:15 p.m.) is aimed at advanced master students, PhD students and Postdocs in mathematics and physics.
Coming soon.