Related papers: Notes on 2D Conformal Field Theory and String Theo…
We review how modular categories, and commutative and non-commutative Frobenius algebras arise in rational conformal field theory. For Euclidean CFT we use an approach based on sewing of surfaces, and in the Minkowskian case we describe CFT…
This is an invited contribution to the 2nd edition of the Encyclopedia of Mathematical Physics. We review the following algebraic structures which appear in two-dimensional conformal field theory (CFT): The symmetries of two-dimensional…
The role of automorphisms of infinite-dimensional Lie algebras in conformal field theory is examined. Two main types of applications are discussed; they are related to the enhancement and reduction of symmetry, respectively. The structures…
We try to develop a coherent picture on Liouville theory as a two-dimensional conformal field theory that takes into account the perspectives of path-integral approach, bootstrap, canonical quantization and operator approach. To do this, we…
We present a new framework for a Lagrangian description of conformal field theories in various dimensions based on a local version of d+2-dimensional conformal space. The results include a true gauge theory of conformal gravity in d=(1,3)…
Two-dimensional conformal field theory (CFT) has several sources: the search for simple examples of quantum field theory, the description of surface critical phenomena, the study of (super)string vacua. In the present overview of the…
We review various aspects of $\cW$-algebra symmetry in two-dimensional conformal field theory and string theory. We pay particular attention to the construction of $\cW$-algebras through the quantum Drinfeld-Sokolov reduction and through…
Conformal algebra is an axiomatic description of the operator product expansion of chiral fields in conformal field theory. On the other hand, it is an adequate tool for the study of infinite-dimensional Lie algebras satisfying the locality…
In this paper I develop categorical foundations needed for a rigorous approach to the definition of conformal field theory outlined by Graeme Segal. I discuss pseudo algebras over theories and 2-theories, their pseudo morphisms, bilimits,…
For each $N$ an infinite number of Conformal Field Theories is presented that has the same fusion rules as SO(N) level 2. These new theories are obtained as extensions of the chiral algebra of $SO(NM^2)$ level 2, and correspond to new…
It is argued that chiral algebras of conformal field theory possess a W-algebra structure. A survey of explicitly known W-algebras and their constructions is given. (Talk given at the XIX International Colloquium on ``Group Theoretical…
We give a brief introduction to the study of the algebraic structures -- and their geometrical interpretations -- which arise in the BRST construction of a conformal string background. Starting from the chiral algebra $\cA$ of a string…
In the presence of an $\Omega$-deformation, local operators generate a chiral algebra in the topological-holomorphic twist of a four-dimensional $\mathcal{N} = 2$ supersymmetric field theory. We show that for a unitary $\mathcal{N} = 2$…
We start studying chiral algebras (as defined by A. Beilinson and V. Drinfeld) from the point of view of deformation theory. First, we define the notion of deformation of a chiral algebra on a smooth curve $X$ over a bundle of local…
In these notes I briefly outline SL(2) degenerate conformal field theories and their application to some related models, namely 2d gravity and N=2 discrete superconformal series.
We study general properties of the classical solutions in non-polynomial closed string field theory and their relationship with two dimensional conformal field theories. In particular we discuss how different conformal field theories which…
We review conformal field theory on the plane in the conformal bootstrap approach. We introduce the main ideas of the bootstrap approach to quantum field theory, and how they apply to two-dimensional theories with local conformal symmetry.…
A new rigorous approach to conformal field theory is presented. The basic objects are families of complex-valued amplitudes, which define a meromorphic conformal field theory (or chiral algebra) and which lead naturally to the definition of…
After a short review of the algebraic setting of N=2 superconformal field theories, their chiral ring and their perturbations, I present some recent results on curious relations between the integrability of their perturbations and algebraic…
In a short review of recent work, we discuss the general problem of constructing the actions of new conformal field theories from old conformal field theories. Such a construction follows when the old conformal field theory admits new…