Vertex operator algebras and moduli spaces

Abstract: Vertex operator algebras (VOAs) are generalizations of commutative associative algebras and of Lie algebras. As I will illustrate, there are a number of interesting examples of VOAs that come from moduli spaces, and striking instances where the VOA formalism has been used to solve problems about these moduli spaces. There are natural algebraic structures on moduli of curves derived from representations of more general VOAs. I’ll describe some open questions about the VOAs, and about the moduli spaces of curves which these structures have been used to investigate.

algebraic geometry

Audience: researchers in the topic

Stanford algebraic geometry seminar

Series comments: The seminar was online for a significant period of time, but for now is solely in person. More seminar information (including slides and videos, when available): agstanford.com