Contents/conteúdo

Mathematics Department Técnico Técnico

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11/04/2002, 16:30 — 17:30 — Amphitheatre Pa1, Mathematics Building
David E. Evans, Cardiff University

Operator algebras and mathematical physics: From XY to ADE

In this lecture we explain the intimate relationship between modular invariants in conformal field theory and braided subfactors in operator algebras. Our analysis is based on an approach to modular invariants using braided sector induction ( a-induction) arising from the treatment of conformal Doplicher-Haag-Roberts framework. Many properties of modular invariants which have so far been noticed empirically and considered mysterious can be rigorously derived in a very general setting in the subfactor context. For example, the connection between modular invariants and graphs (cf. the A-D-E classification for SU(2)k ) finds a natural explanation and interpretation. We try to give an overview on the current state of affairs concerning the expected equivalence between the classifications of braided subfactors and modular invariant two-dimensional conformal field theories.

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The Mathematics Colloquium is a series of monthly talks organized by the Department of Mathematics of IST, aiming to be a forum for the presentation of mathematical ideas or ideas about Mathematics. The Colloquium welcomes the participation of faculty, researchers and undergraduate or graduate students, of IST or other institutions, and is seen as an opportunity of bringing together and fostering the building up of ideas in an informal atmosphere.

Organizers: Conceição Amado, Lina Oliveira e Maria João Borges.