中央研究院數學研究所

Colloquium

New types of symmetries in mathematical physics from operator algebras

2025/11/20 (Thu.) 15:30~16:30

Date : 2025/11/20 (Thu.) 15:30~16:30
Location : Seminar Room 617, Institute of Mathematics (NTU Campus)
Speaker : Yasuyuki Kawahigashi (University of Tokyo)
Abstract : A group describes a classical notion of symmetry in mathematics and physics. Recently, we see emergence of new types of symmetries described by certain tensor categories in quantum field theory and condensed matter physics. This is often called non-invertible symmetry in physics literature. We have various different mathematical approaches to study this notion such as quantum groups. In this talk, I will explain the one based on operator algebras, particularly the Jones theory which led to the Jones polynomial for knots in three-dimensional topology. No knowledge on operator algebras or tensor categories is assumed.