Conformal blocks of C_2 cofinite vertex operator algebras

Speaker: Zhang Hao（Tsinghua University）

Time: 9:30-10:30 am, Apr. 14, 2023

Tencent ID: 494-8360-9451 (PW: 2023)

Venue: JCY-1

Abstract:

Vertex operator algebras (VOAs) are a mathematically rigorous formulation of 2d conformal field theory (CFT). In 2008, Yi-Zhi Huang proved a significant result that the representation category of a "rational" and "C_2 cofinite" VOA V (plus some minor assumptions) is a modular tensor category. Huang's proof relies on a deep understanding of the geometric properties of conformal blocks (a crucial concept in VOA) associated to compact Rieman surfaces of genera 0 and 1. In recent years, these geometric properties have also been proved for higher genus conformal blocks associated to C_2 cofinite and rational VOAs. 

However, much less was known for C_2 cofinite but non-rational VOAs. Indeed, only the genus-0 story was clear, which led to Huang-Lepowsky-Zhang's construction of braided tensor categories for the representations of C_2 cofinite VOAs. The categories are not necessarily semisimple since V is not assumed to be rational. In this talk, we present an ongoing project that gives a systematic approach to the geometric properties of conformal blocks of C_2 cofinite but non-rational VOAs, associated to compact Riemann surfaces of all genera. Our approach generalizes simultaneously Huang-Lepowsky-Zhang's tensor category theory and higher level Zhu's algebras.

[YMSC-BIMSA Quantum Information Seminar]