Defining QFT Categorically I
Jesse Woods (University of Bern)
Abstract: In preparation to study Generalised (Categorical) Symmetries, we provide motivation and give an introduction to some very basic, but relevant, concepts in Category Theory. We will introduce monoidal categories before showing that the expected properties of Topological Quantum Field Theory follow naturally from a categorical definition. We compute some basic results of TQFT to demonstrate the utility of categories in physics.
condensed mattergeneral relativity and quantum cosmologyHEP - theorymathematical physicsdifferential geometry
Audience: advanced learners
Europe and Pacific Theoretical Physics
Series comments: European and Pacific Theoretical Physics is a group that runs online seminars and talks across broad topics in mathematical and theoretical physics. Our goal is to share concepts across continents to bring about a deeper understanding of cutting-edge topics in physics.
The talks are informal, and anyone can participate, so please reach out if you would like to present one week!
Extended notes & presentation material are uploaded to "Past talks". Please click on the title of a talk, and then click on "paper" or "slides" to see more. Our focus for 2025 was on Generalised (Categorical) Symmetries, following the lecture notes found here: arxiv.org/pdf/2411.09082.
The reading course seminars are scheduled to resume in 2026. If you would like to present material, please reach out.
Zoom link: unibe-ch.zoom.us/j/6801537904
Talks may be uploaded to YouTube: www.youtube.com/@eupactp
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| Organizers: | Jesse Woods*, Jonathan Skelton*, Adèle Le Borgne, Joey Faller |
| *contact for this listing |