Veranstaltung

Vortrag
How quantum field theory can help to understand representation theory
Prof. Dr. Christoph Schweigert
12.5.2015, 14:30 Uhr

Topological field theories – despite their name and their applications in physics – constitute a rigorous piece of mathematics, with deep links to low-dimensional topology (in particular to invariants of knots and three-manifolds) and to representation theory. We give an introduction to topological field theories of Turaev-Viro type, aiming at a general mathematical audience. Our treatment will include the case of three-manifolds with boundaries and with defects as well, which allows us to “explain” structures of independent interest in representation theory.