Topological quantum field theories

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SUMMARY

Chern-Simons theory is a 3-dimensional Topological Quantum Field Theory (3d-TQFT), while the Crane-Yetter model represents a 4-dimensional Topological Quantum Field Theory (4d-TQFT). The discussion highlights the gauge invariance and Lorentz invariance of Chern-Simons theory, emphasizing its independence from the background metric of spacetime. Additionally, the Turaev-Viro model is introduced as another TQFT. Key introductory papers on Chern-Simons theory are provided for further exploration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Topological Quantum Field Theories (TQFT)
  • Familiarity with gauge theories
  • Knowledge of knot theory and its relationship to TQFT
  • Basic concepts of Lorentz invariance
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Chern-Simons gauge theory in detail
  • Explore the Crane-Yetter model and its applications
  • Research the Turaev-Viro model and its significance in TQFT
  • Examine Ed Witten's 1989 papers on knot theory and Chern-Simons theory
USEFUL FOR

Researchers in theoretical physics, mathematicians interested in topology, and students studying quantum field theories will benefit from this discussion.

meteor
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Chern-Simons theory is a 3d-TQFT and Crane-Yetter model is a 4d-TQFT
There exist another Topological Quantum Field Theory apart of these two models?
 
Last edited:
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Originally posted by meteor
Chern-Simons theory is a 3d-TQFT and Crane-Yetter model is a 4d-TQFT
There exist another Topological Quantum Field Theory apart of these two models?

Meteor you would be doing me a favor if you could explain a little about Chern-Simons theory and perhaps give some web links---all at very introductory level if possible.
 
Sorry, I'm not an expert on it, so what I'm going to say is probably known to you:
Chern-Simons theory (a.k.a. Chern-Simons gauge theory) is a gauge theory. It's gauge invariant and Lorentz invariant
One of the most important features of Chern-Simons theory is that is independent of the background metric that you choose for the spacetime
In Chern-Simons theory, the field is a connection
Ed Witten discovered in 1989 that exists some relationship between knot theory and Chern-Simons theory
These two papers seem introductory:
http://xxx.lanl.gov/abs/hep-th/9902115
http://xxx.lanl.gov/abs/hep-th/9905057
If this interest to someone, I've discovered that the Turaev-Viro model is another TQFT
 
Last edited:

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