Vertex operators and vertex algebras

The course comprises seminars in which students present selected parts of the course literature. The presentations with accompanying calculations are also reported in writing. The seminars are complemented by lectures and group discussions.

The following topics are treated:
- Wightman axioms and two-dimensional quantum field theory
- Vertex algebras
- Formal distributions and formal Fourier transforms
- Current algebras and the Virasoro algebra
- Conformal algebras and aspects of their representation theory
- Normal ordering and non-commutative Wick theorem
- Lie algebras generated by formal distributions and corresponding vertex algebras
- Aspects of the structure theory of vertex algebras
- Conformal vertex algebras
- Vertex algebras for free bosons and free fermions, vertex operators, boson-fermion correspondence
- Examples of other important classes of conformal vertex algebras

Progressive specialisation: A1F (has second‐cycle course/s as entry requirements)

Education level: Master's level

Admission requirements: Physics 90 ECTS cr, including the courses Advanced Quantum Mechanics FYAD04, 7.5 ECTS cr and Symmetries, Groups and Algebras FYAD02 7.5 ECTS cr, or equivalent.

Selection:

Selection is usually based on your grade point average from upper secondary school or the number of credit points from previous university studies, or both.