Symmetries as Topological Operators

Abstract: In this talk I'll discuss extended symmetry defect operators and how they naturally arise from symmetries in the quantum theory.

The focus will be on ordinary symmetries; these are referred to as 0-form topological group-like symmetries in the modern literature. First I will discuss classical symmetries of Lagrangian field theory. In the second part I will discuss their analogues in the quantised theory, and outline and a sketch a proof of their properties.

condensed matterHEP - theorymathematical physicsdifferential geometry

Audience: advanced learners

( paper | slides )

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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.

Our current focus is on Generalised (Categorical) Symmetries. We will follow the lectures notes found here: arxiv.org/pdf/2411.09082 . The talks are informal, and anyone can participate, so please reach out if you would like to present one week!

The reading course seminars are scheduled to resume January. If you would like to present material, please reach out. 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.

Zoom link: unibe-ch.zoom.us/j/6801537904

Talks may be uploaded to YouTube: www.youtube.com/@eupactp

Mailing list sign-up: forms.gle/StswcjC7RbXWuvAr8

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