The Langlands Correspondence in Physics

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the integration of quantum field theory with the geometric Langlands program, referencing Witten's paper "Quantum Field Theory, Grassmanians, and Algebraic Curves" and Connes' work on diffeomorphisms as motivic Galois groups. Participants express skepticism about the feasibility of this integration, comparing it to the elusive quest for a verifiable theory of quantum gravity. The conversation highlights the potential relevance of classical Langlands over geometric approaches influenced by string theory.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum field theory principles
  • Familiarity with the geometric Langlands program
  • Knowledge of Witten's contributions to theoretical physics
  • Basic concepts of motivic Galois groups and diffeomorphisms
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Witten's paper "Quantum Field Theory, Grassmanians, and Algebraic Curves"
  • Explore classical Langlands theory and its applications in physics
  • Research Connes' work on diffeomorphisms and motivic Galois groups
  • Investigate the implications of string theory on geometric Langlands
USEFUL FOR

The discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, mathematicians interested in algebraic geometry, and researchers exploring the intersections of quantum field theory and the Langlands correspondence.

Jim Kata
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Does anybody understand how to put quantum field theory in terms of the geometric Langlands program? I'm kind of reading Witten's paper Quantum Field theory, Grassmanians, and algebraic curves. Also, the more recent work of Connes shows that his group of diffeographisms is motivic galois group. I have not read Witten and Kapustins mammoth paper. Any ideas about Langlands in physics? Teach me what you know. Mind you, my knowledge is very physics based so if you can't explain in physicsy terms what the ring of adele's is you might lose me.
 
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Jim Kata said:
Does anybody understand how to put quantum field theory in terms of the geometric Langlands program?

No. Nobody does. Indeed, that's rather like asking "Does anybody have a verifiable theory of quantum gravity?"
 
Jim Kata said:
Does anybody understand how to put quantum field theory in terms of the geometric Langlands program?

Why geometric Langlands? Classical Langlands might be more relevant than the kind of continuum geometry that is studied as a result of, say, string theory prejudices.
 

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