Spaces, Functions and Numbers Seminar: Kang -- Finding isomorphic quantum field theories

Speaker: Monica Kang (University of Pennsylvania) 

Title: Finding isomorphic quantum field theories Abstract: When do two different looking
quantum field theories describe the same physics? This is essentially asking when the
quantum field theories are isomorphic.  

In the case of topological quantum field theories, there is sometimes a way to determine
them via topological invariants.  For a superconformal field theory, what would be the
minimal set of “invariants” to determine when they are isomorphic? 

I will discuss some approaches to this question in the context of a particular infinite
class of superconformal field theories that admit Hitchin systems.  Isomorphic pairs of
such theories must have the same operator contents, such as Schur index and
Hall-Littlewood index.  Such theories can also be described using curve configurations
and this will shine light on finding pairs of isomorphic superconformal field theories,
which a priori look like distinct theories.  In turn, this result provides a conjecture
when two theories will necessarily have the same Schur index and Hall-Littlewood index.
If time permitting, I will explain how this result further sheds light on the 3d
(symplectic) duality.

Zoom link: https://uni-sydney.zoom.us/j/83704358909