How Should I Begin Studying Topological Quantum Field Theory?

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SUMMARY

To study Topological Quantum Field Theory (TQFT), a solid understanding of Quantum Field Theory (QFT), fiber bundles, and cohomology is essential. The discussion suggests starting with Witten's seminal paper, but also recommends reviewing more elementary papers for foundational knowledge. Two specific pedagogical resources are highlighted: the papers available at arXiv:hep-th/9709192 and arXiv:0810.0344. These resources will provide a structured approach to grasping the complexities of TQFT.

PREREQUISITES
  • Quantum Field Theory (QFT)
  • Fiber Bundles
  • Cohomology, particularly as discussed in Nakahara
  • Familiarity with Witten's contributions to TQFT
NEXT STEPS
  • Read Witten's paper on Topological Quantum Field Theory
  • Study the pedagogical papers linked in the discussion
  • Explore advanced concepts in fiber bundles relevant to TQFT
  • Investigate cohomology theories and their applications in TQFT
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Mathematicians, theoretical physicists, and graduate students interested in advanced topics in quantum field theory and topology.

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Hello,

Can anyone tell me how to go about studying Topological QFT. I am fine with QFT, Fibre bundles and currently doing Cohomology from Nakahara. Should i directly start with Witten's paper or are there any more elementary review papers?

Thanks.
 
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Thread 'Two equivalent statements of time reversal symmetric Hamiltonian'

Time reversal invariant Hamiltonians must satisfy ##[H,\Theta]=0## where ##\Theta## is time reversal operator. However, in some texts (for example see Many-body Quantum Theory in Condensed Matter Physics an introduction, HENRIK BRUUS and KARSTEN FLENSBERG, Corrected version: 14 January 2016, section 7.1.4) the time reversal invariant condition is introduced as ##H=H^*##. How these two conditions are identical?
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