English

Algebraic Structures Derived from Foams

Geometric Topology 2010-01-07 v1 Quantum Algebra

Abstract

Foams are surfaces with branch lines at which three sheets merge. They have been used in the categorification of sl(3) quantum knot invariants and also in physics. The 2D-TQFT of surfaces, on the other hand, is classified by means of commutative Frobenius algebras, where saddle points correspond to multiplication and comultiplication. In this paper, we explore algebraic operations that branch lines derive under TQFT. In particular, we investigate Lie bracket and bialgebra structures. Relations to the original Frobenius algebra structures are discussed both algebraically and diagrammatically.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.1001.0775,
  title  = {Algebraic Structures Derived from Foams},
  author = {J. Scott Carter and Masahico Saito},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1001.0775},
  year   = {2010}
}

Comments

11 pages; 14 figures

R2 v1 2026-06-21T14:31:18.319Z