Abstract
In this expository note, we compare the fusion product of conformal field theory, as defined by Gaberdiel and used in the Nahm–Gaberdiel–Kausch (NGK) algorithm, with the P(w)-tensor product of vertex operator algebra modules, as defined by Huang, Lepowsky and Zhang (HLZ). We explain how the equality of the two “coproducts” derived by NGK is essentially dual to the P(w)-compatibility condition of HLZ and how the algorithm of NGK for computing fusion products may be adapted to the setting of HLZ. We provide explicit calculations and instructive examples to illustrate both approaches. This document does not provide precise descriptions of all statements, it is intended more as a gentle starting point for the appreciation of the depth of the theory on both sides.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Notes
- 1.
A conformal field theory is said to be rational if its quantum state space is semisimple (completely reducible), decomposing into a finite direct sum of tensor products of irreducible modules. The name reflects the fact that such theories have rational central charges and conformal weights.
- 2.
A conformal field theory is said to be logarithmic if its quantum state space is not completely reducible. The name reflects the fact that all known examples possess a non-diagonalisable action of the hamiltonian which leads to logarithmic singularities in certain correlation functions.
- 3.
In general, one might instead have tensor products \(M \otimes \overline{M}\), where M is a V-module and \(\overline{M}\) is a module over another vertex operator algebra, \(\overline{V}\) say. In either case, M is responsible for the z-dependence of the field \(\psi (z,\overline{z})\) while the \(\overline{z}\)-dependence comes from \(\overline{M}\).
- 4.
Note that a non-rational theory may also possess fields that are not generated from primary fields. The original approach to computing fusion from primary correlators will therefore produce incorrect fusion rules in general. Unfortunately, this approach is still widely employed, without comment, in the non-rational physics literature.
- 5.
- 6.
- 7.
Because we assume that the homogeneous subspaces \(M_{[h]}\) are all finite-dimensional, we may safely ignore all questions regarding the topological nature of these duals.
- 8.
This requirement will clearly need refining when it is necessary (or desirable) to include additional gradings on the V-modules.
- 9.
In the physics literature, it is customary to take z and w to be the first and second insertion points, respectively, in an operator product expansion. In line with this convention, quantities like (28) naturally lead us to speak of P(w)-intertwining maps as opposed to the P(z)-intertwining maps that are ubiquitous in the mathematics literature.
- 10.
We remark that it is these primary fields (and only these primary fields) that are called vertex operators in the physics literature. In the setting of (non-compact) free bosons, they are therefore not fields of the Heisenberg vertex operator algebra. The term vertex operator algebra itself presumably arose in the mathematical literature because early work concentrated on examples related to lattices (compactified free bosons) in which certain vertex operators are promoted to fields of an extended vertex operator algebra.
- 11.
Here, we choose to act on \(m_2\), rather than \(m_1\), in order to keep in line with the vertex-algebraic generalisation to follow.
- 12.
We recall that the action of a P(w)-intertwining map on \(\psi _1 \otimes \psi _2\) is (a projection of) \(\psi _1(w) \psi _2\), in physics notation, explaining this specialisation of insertion points.
- 13.
In terms of the classification of real simple Lie algebras using involutions, the definition (51) corresponds to the split real form, while the adjoint familiar to physicists is associated with the compact real form.
- 14.
The alert reader will notice that this double dual construction is overkill here because the fields Y(a, z) are independent of z. Nevertheless, we feel it helps to unpack this abstract machinery in the simplest case and see that it works. We shall consider a less straightforward example in the next section.
- 15.
In fact, they took this a step further and discussed quotients by actions of fairly arbitrary subalgebras of the mode algebra of V. Appropriate filtrations by such subalgebras then lead to a consistent framework in which one can evaluate the action of any given mode. The need for quite exotic filtrations is best exemplified by referring to the rather difficult computations that arise when studying fusion products for modules over non-rational affine vertex operator algebras, see [24, 66].
- 16.
References
Abe, T., Buhl, G., Dong, C.: Rationality, regularity, and \(C_2\)-cofiniteness. Trans. Am. Math. Soc. 356(8), 3391–3402 (2004)
Adamović, D., Milas, A.: Lattice construction of logarithmic modules for certain vertex algebras. Selecta Math. New Ser. 15, 535–561 (2009). arXiv:0902.3417 [math.QA]
Astashkevich, A.: On the structure of Verma modules over Virasoro and Neveu-Schwarz algebras. Commun. Math. Phys. 186, 531–562 (1997). arXiv:hep-th/9511032
Canagasabey, M., Rasmussen, J., Ridout, D.: Fusion rules for the logarithmic \(N=1\) superconformal minimal models I: the Neveu-Schwarz sector. J. Phys. A 48, 415402 (2015). arXiv:1504.03155 [hep-th]
Canagasabey, M., Ridout, D.: Fusion rules for the logarithmic \(N=1\) superconformal minimal models II: including the Ramond sector. Nucl. Phys. B 905, 132–187 (2016). arXiv:1512.05837 [hep-th]
Creutzig, T., Huang, Y.Z., Yang, J.: Braided tensor categories of admissible modules for affine Lie algebras. Commun. Math. Phys. 362, 827–854 (2018). arXiv:1709.01865 [math.QA]
Creutzig, T., Kanade, S., Linshaw, A., Ridout, D.: Schur-Weyl duality for Heisenberg cosets. Transform. Groups 24(2), 301–354 (2019). arXiv:1611.00305 [math.QA]
Creutzig, T., Kanade, S., McRae, R.: Tensor categories for vertex operator superalgebra extensions. arXiv:1705.05017 [math.QA]
Creutzig, T., Ridout, D.: Logarithmic conformal field theory: beyond an introduction. J. Phys. A 46, 494006 (2013). arXiv:1303.0847 [hep-th]
Creutzig, T., Ridout, D.: Relating the archetypes of logarithmic conformal field theory. Nucl. Phys. B 872, 348–391 (2013). arXiv:1107.2135 [hep-th]
Dong, C., Lepowsky, J.: Generalized Vertex Algebras and Relative Vertex Operators. Progress in Mathematics, vol. 112. Birkhäuser Boston Inc, Boston (1993)
Dong, C., Li, H., Mason, G.: Vertex operator algebras and associative algebras. J. Algebra 206, 67–96 (1998). arXiv:q-alg/9612010
Eberle, H., Flohr, M.: Virasoro representations and fusion for general augmented minimal models. J. Phys. A 39, 15245–15286 (2006). arXiv:hep-th/0604097
Feigin, B., Fuchs, D.: Cohomology of some nilpotent subalgebras of the Virasoro and Kac-Moody lie algebras. J. Geom. Phys. 5, 209–235 (1988)
Feigin, B., Nakanishi, T., Ooguri, H.: The annihilating ideals of minimal models. Int. J. Mod. Phys. A 7, 217–238 (1992)
Frenkel, E., Ben-Zvi, D.: Vertex Algebras and Algebraic Curves, Mathematical Surveys and Monographs, vol. 88. American Mathematical Society, Providence (2001)
Frenkel, I., Huang, Y.Z., Lepowsky, J.: On axiomatic approaches to vertex operator algebras and modules. Mem. Am. Math. Soc.104, viii+64 (1993)
Frenkel, I., Lepowsky, J., Meurman, A.: Vertex Operator Algebras and the Monster, Pure and Applied Mathematics, vol. 134. Academic Press, Boston (1988)
Frenkel, I., Zhu, Y.: Vertex operator algebras associated to representations of affine and Virasoro algebras. Duke Math. J. 66, 123–168 (1992)
Gaberdiel, M.: Fusion in conformal field theory as the tensor product of the symmetry algebra. Int. J. Mod. Phys. A 9, 4619–4636 (1994). arXiv:hep-th/9307183
Gaberdiel, M.: Fusion rules of chiral algebras. Nucl. Phys. B 417, 130–150 (1994). arXiv:hep-th/9309105
Gaberdiel, M.: Fusion of twisted representations. Int. J. Mod. Phys. A 12, 5183–5208 (1997). arXiv:hep-th/9607036
Gaberdiel, M.: An introduction to conformal field theory. Rep. Prog. Phys. 63, 607–667 (2000). arXiv:hep-th/9910156
Gaberdiel, M.: Fusion rules and logarithmic representations of a WZW model at fractional level. Nucl. Phys. B 618, 407–436 (2001). arXiv:hep-th/0105046
Gaberdiel, M., Kausch, H.: Indecomposable fusion products. Nucl. Phys. B477, 293–318 (1996). arXiv:hep-th/9604026
Gaberdiel, M., Kausch, H.: A rational logarithmic conformal field theory. Phys. Lett. B 386, 131–137 (1996). arXiv:hep-th/9606050
Gaberdiel, M., Runkel, I., Wood, S.: Fusion rules and boundary conditions in the \(c=0\) triplet model. J. Phys. A 42, 325403 (2009). arXiv:0905.0916 [hep-th]
Gainutdinov, A., Jacobsen, J., Read, N., Saleur, H., Vasseur, R.: Logarithmic conformal field theory: a lattice approach. J. Phys. A 46, 494012 (2013). arXiv:1303.2082 [hep-th]
Gainutdinov, A., Vasseur, R.: Lattice fusion rules and logarithmic operator product expansions. Nucl. Phys. B 868, 223–270 (2013). arXiv:1203.6289 [hep-th]
Gurarie, V.: Logarithmic operators in conformal field theory. Nucl. Phys. B 410, 535–549 (1993). arXiv:hep-th/9303160
Huang, Y.Z.: On the applicability of logarithmic tensor category theory. arXiv:1702.00133 [math.QA]
Huang, Y.Z.: Two-Dimensional Conformal Geometry and Vertex Operator Algebras. Progress in Mathematics, vol. 148. Birkhäuser, Boston (1997)
Huang, Y.Z.: Cofiniteness conditions, projective covers and the logarithmic tensor product theory. J. Pure Appl. Algebra 213, 458–475 (2009). arXiv:0712.4109 [math.QA]
Huang, Y.Z., Jr, A.K., Lepowsky, J.: Braided tensor categories and extensions of vertex operator algebras. Commun. Math. Phys. 337, 1143–1159 (2015). arXiv:1406.3420 [math.QA]
Huang, Y.Z., Lepowsky, J.: Tensor products of modules for a vertex operator algebra and vertex tensor categories. In: Lie Theory and Geometry, Progress in Mathematics, vol. 123, pp. 349–383. Birkhäuser, Boston (1994). arXiv:hep-th/9401119
Huang, Y.Z., Lepowsky, J.: A theory of tensor products for module categories for a vertex operator algebra I. Selecta Math. New Ser. 1(4), 699–756 (1995). arXiv:hep-th/9309076
Huang, Y.Z., Lepowsky, J.: A theory of tensor products for module categories for a vertex operator algebra II. Selecta Math. New Ser. 1(4), 757–786 (1995). arXiv:hep-th/9309159
Huang, Y.Z., Lepowsky, J.: A theory of tensor products for module categories for a vertex operator algebra III. J. Pure Appl. Algebra 100(1–3), 141–171 (1995). arXiv:hep-th/9505018
Huang, Y.Z., Lepowsky, J.: Tensor categories and the mathematics of rational and logarithmic conformal field theory. J. Phys. A 46, 494009 (2013). arXiv:1304.7556 [hep-th]
Huang, Y.Z., Lepowsky, J., Li, H., Zhang, L.: On the concepts of intertwining operator and tensor product module in vertex operator algebra theory. J. Pure Appl. Algebra 204, 507–535 (2006). arXiv:math.QA/0409364
Huang, Y.Z., Lepowsky, J., Zhang, L.: Logarithmic tensor product theory I–VIII. arXiv:1012.4193 [math.QA], arXiv:1012.4196 [math.QA], arXiv:1012.4197 [math.QA], arXiv:1012.4198 [math.QA], arXiv:1012.4199 [math.QA], arXiv:1012.4202 [math.QA], arXiv:1110.1929 [math.QA], arXiv:1110.1931 [math.QA]
Huang, Y.Z., Yang, J.: Logarithmic intertwining operators and associative algebras. J. Pure Appl. Algebra 216, 1467–1492 (2012). arXiv:1104.4679 [math.QA]
Jr, A.K., Ostrik, V.: On a \(q\)-analogue of the McKay correspondence and the ADE classification of \(\mathfrak{sl}_2\) conformal field theories. Adv. Math. 171, 183–227 (2002). arXiv:math.QA/0101219
Kac, V.: Vertex Algebras for Beginners. University Lecture Series, vol. 10. American Mathematical Society, Providence (1996)
Kazhdan, D., Lusztig, G.: Affine Lie algebras and quantum groups. Int. Math. Res. Not. 1991, 21–29 (1991)
Kazhdan, D., Lusztig, G.: Tensor structures arising from affine Lie algebras I. J. Am. Math. Soc. 6, 905–947 (1993)
Kazhdan, D., Lusztig, G.: Tensor structures arising from affine Lie algebras II. J. Am. Math. Soc. 6, 949–1011 (1993)
Kazhdan, D., Lusztig, G.: Tensor structures arising from affine Lie algebras III. J. Am. Math. Soc. 7, 335–381 (1994)
Kazhdan, D., Lusztig, G.: Tensor structures arising from affine Lie algebras IV. J. Am. Math. Soc. 7, 383–453 (1994)
Kytölä, K., Ridout, D.: On staggered indecomposable Virasoro modules. J. Math. Phys. 50, 123503 (2009). arXiv:0905.0108 [math-ph]
Lepowsky, J., Li, H.: Introduction to Vertex Operator Algebras and their Representations. Progress in Mathematics, vol. 227. Birkhäuser, Boston (2004)
Li, H.: Representation theory and tensor product theory for vertex operator algebras. Ph.D. Thesis, Rutgers University (1994). arXiv:hep-th/9406211
Li, H.: An analogue of the Hom functor and a generalized nuclear democracy theorem. Duke Math. J. 93, 73–114 (1998). arXiv:q-alg/9706012
Mathieu, P., Ridout, D.: From percolation to logarithmic conformal field theory. Phys. Lett. B 657, 120–129 (2007). arXiv:0708.0802 [hep-th]
Mathieu, P., Ridout, D.: Logarithmic \(M \left(2, p \right)\) minimal models, their logarithmic couplings, and duality. Nucl. Phys. B 801, 268–295 (2008). arXiv:0711.3541 [hep-th]
Milas, A.: Weak modules and logarithmic intertwining operators for vertex operator algebras. In: Recent developments in infinite-dimensional Lie algebras and conformal field theory, Contemporary Mathematics, vol. 297, pp. 201–225. American Mathematical Society (2002). arXiv:math.QA/0101167
Miyamoto, M.: \(C_1\)-cofiniteness and fusion products for vertex operator algebras. In: Conformal field theories and tensor categories, Mathematical Lectures from Peking University, pp. 271–279. Springer, Heidelberg (2014). arXiv:1305.3008 [math.QA]
Moore, G., Seiberg, N.: Polynomial equations for rational conformal field theories. Phys. Lett. B 212, 451–460 (1988)
Moore, G., Seiberg, N.: Classical and quantum conformal field theory. Commun. Math. Phys. 123, 177–254 (1989)
Morin-Duchesne, A., Rasmussen, J., Ridout, D.: Boundary algebras and Kac modules for logarithmic minimal models. Nucl. Phys. B 899, 677–769 (2015). arXiv:1503.07584 [hep-th]
Nahm, W.: Quasirational fusion products. Int. J. Mod. Phys. B 8, 3693–3702 (1994). arXiv:hep-th/9402039
Pearce, P., Rasmussen, J., Zuber, J.B.: Logarithmic minimal models. J. Stat. Mech. 0611, P11017 (2006). arXiv:0607232 [hep-th]
Rasmussen, J.: Classification of Kac representations in the logarithmic minimal models \(LM \left(1, p \right)\). Nucl. Phys. B 853, 404–435 (2011). arXiv:1012.5190 [hep-th]
Read, N., Saleur, H.: Associative-algebraic approach to logarithmic conformal field theories. Nucl. Phys. B 777, 316–351 (2007). arXiv:hep-th/0701117
Ridout, D.: On the percolation BCFT and the crossing probability of Watts. Nucl. Phys. B 810, 503–526 (2009). arXiv:0808.3530 [hep-th]
Ridout, D.: Fusion in fractional level \(\widehat{\mathfrak{sl}} \left(2 \right)\)-theories with \(k=-\tfrac{1}{2}\). Nucl. Phys. B 848, 216–250 (2011). arXiv:1012.2905 [hep-th]
Ridout, D., Wood, S.: Bosonic ghosts at \(c=2\) as a logarithmic CFT. Lett. Math. Phys. 105, 279–307 (2015). arXiv:1408.4185 [hep-th]
Ridout, D., Wood, S.: The Verlinde formula in logarithmic CFT. J. Phys. Conf. Ser. 597, 012065 (2015). arXiv:1409.0670 [hep-th]
Rohsiepe, F.: On reducible but indecomposable representations of the Virasoro algebra. arXiv:hep-th/9611160
Tsuchiya, A., Wood, S.: The tensor structure on the representation category of the \(\cal{W}_p\) triplet algebra. J. Phys. A 46, 445203 (2013). arXiv:1201.0419 [hep-th]
Wood, S.: Fusion rules of the \(W \left( p, q \right)\) triplet models. J. Phys. A 43, 045212 (2010). arXiv:0907.4421 [hep-th]
Zhang, L.: Vertex tensor category structure on a category of Kazhdan-Lusztig. New York J. Math. 14, 261–284 (2008). arXiv:math.QA/0701260
Zhu, Y.: Modular invariance of characters of vertex operator algebras. J. Am. Math. Soc. 9, 237–302 (1996)
Acknowledgements
This paper was made possible by an Endeavour Research Fellowship, ID 6127_2017, awarded to SK by the Australian Government’s Department of Education and Training. SK wishes to express sincere gratitude towards the School of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Melbourne, where this project was undertaken, for their generous hospitality. SK is presently supported by a start-up grant provided by University of Denver. DR’s research is supported by the Australian Research Council Discovery Project DP160101520 and the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Mathematical and Statistical Frontiers CE140100049.
It is our privilege to thank our fellow “fusion club” members Arun Ram and Kazuya Kawasetsu for the many hours that we spent together working through the details of the approaches of NGK, HLZ, Kazhdan–Lusztig and Miyamoto. We also thank Thomas Creutzig, Hubert Saleur and Simon Wood for encouraging us to complete this article when time was lacking and deadlines were passing. We similarly thank Dražen Adamović and Paolo Papi for generous amounts of leeway in regard to this last point.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2019 Springer Nature Switzerland AG
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Kanade, S., Ridout, D. (2019). NGK and HLZ: Fusion for Physicists and Mathematicians. In: Adamović, D., Papi, P. (eds) Affine, Vertex and W-algebras. Springer INdAM Series, vol 37. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-32906-8_7
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-32906-8_7
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-030-32905-1
Online ISBN: 978-3-030-32906-8
eBook Packages: Mathematics and StatisticsMathematics and Statistics (R0)