Quantum field theory as a topological sigma.model

Per Sundell (UNAB, Santiago)

Sep 09. 2021, 15:30 — 16:30

We present a set of related ideas pertaining to the formulation of quantum field theory using differential graded algebras. The general framework includes first-, second- and third-quantized layers, with one layer inducing the non-commutative geometries making up the subsequent layer. We expose the ideas by following a red thread from Dirac's conformal particles, alias tensionless string partons, via Vasiiev's higher spin gravity, to topological Alexandrov--Kontsevich--Schwarz--Zarobinski sigma-models, whose degrees of freedom are operator algebras that arise on defects on the source manifold embedded into branches of target space, including perturbatively defined massless particle states and holographic duals. 

Further Information
Venue:
ESI Boltzmann Lecture Hall
Recordings:
Recording
Associated Event:
Geometry for Higher Spin Gravity: Conformal Structures, PDEs, and Q-manifolds (Thematic Programme)
Organizer(s):
Xavier Bekaert (U of Tours)
Andreas Cap (U of Vienna)
Stefan Fredenhagen (U of Vienna)
Maxim Grigoriev (U of Mons)
Alexei Kotov (U Hradec Králové)