English

The Problem Of Gauge Theory

Differential Geometry 2009-01-03 v3 High Energy Physics - Theory Quantum Algebra

Abstract

I sketch what it is supposed to mean to quantize gauge theory, and how this can be made more concrete in perturbation theory and also by starting with a finite-dimensional lattice approximation. Based on real experiments and computer simulations, quantum gauge theory in four dimensions is believed to have a mass gap. This is one of the most fundamental facts that makes the Universe the way it is. This article is the written form of a lecture presented at the conference "Geometric Analysis: Past and Future" (Harvard University, August 27-September 1, 2008), in honor of the 60th birthday of S.-T. Yau.

Cite

@article{arxiv.0812.4512,
  title  = {The Problem Of Gauge Theory},
  author = {Edward Witten},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:0812.4512},
  year   = {2009}
}
R2 v1 2026-06-21T11:55:33.016Z