Abstract
In this paper we shall discuss some of the isomorphisms established between the approach to conformal field theory on P1 of [TK], and the topological construction of braid group representations of [L 1]. These approaches both lead, in the simplest cases, to the one-variable Jones polynomial invariant of links, but can be generalised to give other invariants. The case of higher spin representations of sl2 is discussed from the point of view of both approaches, and is used to re-interpret the well known connection with cabled links. The structure of the braid group representation obtained is also discussed in both the spin- 1/2 and higher spin cases, and is extended to give a representation of the category of tangles.
The author is a Junior Fellow of the Society of Fellows
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
J. W. Alexander, ‘A lemma on a system of knotted curves', Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA 9 (1923) p. 93–95.
E. Artin, ‘Theorie der Zöfe'', Abh. Math. Sem. Univ. Hamburg4 (1925) p. 47–72.
M.F. Atiyah, ‘The geometry and physics of knots', Lezioni Lincee Cambridge University Press (1990).
J. Birman, ‘Braids, links and mapping class groups', Ann. Math. Stud. 82 (1974).
A. J. Bracken, M. D. Gould, R. B. Zhang, ‘Quantum group invariants and link polynomials', To appear in Commun. Math. Physics.
A. A. Belavin, A. M. Polyakov, A. B. Zamolodchikov, ‘Infinite conformal symmetry in two-dimensional quantum field theory', Nuc. Phys. B241 (1984) p. 333–380.
V.G. Ddrinfeld'd, ‘Quantum groups', Proc. International Congress of Mathematicians, Berkeley (1986) p.798–820.
B. L. Feigen, V. V. Schechtman, A. N. Varchenko, ‘On algebraic equations satisfied by correlations in Wess-Zumino-Witten models', Preprint (1990).
P. Freyd, D. Yetter, J. Hoste, W. Lickorish, K. Millet, A. Ocneanu, ‘A new polynomial invariant of knots and links', Bull. A.M.S.12 (1985) p. 239–246.
M. Jimbo, ‘A q-analogue of U(gl(N+ 1)), Hecke algebras and the YangBaxter Equations', Lett. Math. Phys.11 (1986) p. 247–252.
V. F. R. Jones, ‘A polynomial invariant for knots via von Neumann algebras', Bull. A.M.S.12 (1985) p. 103–111.
V. F. R. Jones, ‘Hecke algebra representations of braid groups and link polynomials', Ann. Math.126 (1987) p. 335–388.
T. Kohno, ‘Hecke algebra representations of braid groups and classical Yang-Baxter equations', Adv. Studies in Pure Maths.16 (1988) p. 255–269.
A. N. Kirillov, N. Yu. Reshetikhin, ‘Representations of the algebra U q (sl2), q-orthogonal polynomials and invariants of links', Infinite dimensional Lie algebras and groups World Scientific (1988) p.285–342.
V. G. Knizhnik, A. B. Zamolodchikov, ‘Current algebras and Wess-Zumino models in two-dimensions', Nuc. Phys. B247 (1984) p. 83–103.
R. J. Lawrence, ‘Homology representations of braid groups', D. Phil. Thesis, Oxford (June 1989).
R. J. Lawrence, ‘Homological representations of the Hecke algebra', To appear in Commun. Math. Physics.
R. J. Lawrence, ‘A functorial approach to the one-variable Jones polynomial', Harvard University preprint (1990).
R. J. Lawrence, ‘The homological approach applied to higher representations', Harvard University preprint (1990).
W. B. R. Lickorish, K. C. Millett, ‘A polynomial invariant of oriented links', Topology26 (1987) p. 107–141.
A. A. Markov, ‘Über die freie Aquivalenz geschloßener Zöpfe', Recueil Math. Moscow1 (1935) p. 73–78.
H. R. Morton, P. Strickland, ‘Jones polynomial invariants for knots and satellites', Preprint (1990).
N. YU. Reshetikhin, ‘Quantised universal enveloping algebras, the YangBaxter equation, and invariants of links I, II, LOMI Preprints E-4-87, E-17-87 I, {bdII} (1988).
G. B. Segal, ‘Two-dimensional conformal field theories and modular functors', Proc. IXth Int. Congr. on Mathematical Physics (1989) p.22–37.
V. V. Schechtman, A. N. Varchenko, ‘Integral representations of n-point conformal correlators in the WZW model', Preprint (1989).
V. G. Turaev, ‘The Yang-Baxter equation and invariants of links', Invent. Math.92 (1988) p. 527–553.
A. Tsuchiya, Y. Kanie, ‘Vertex operators in conformal field theory on P1 and monodromy representations of braid groups', Adv. Studies in Pure Math.16 (1988) p. 297–372, Erratum ibid 19 (1990) p.675–682.
H. Wenzl, ‘Hecke algebra representations of type A n and subfactors', Invent. Math.92 (1988) p. 349–383.
E. Witten, ‘Quantum field theory and the Jones polynomia;', Commun. Math. Phys.121 (1989) p. 351–399.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1991 Springer-Verlag
About this paper
Cite this paper
Lawrence, R.J. (1991). Connections between CFT and topology via Knot theory. In: Bartocci, C., Bruzzo, U., Cianci, R. (eds) Differential Geometric Methods in Theoretical Physics. Lecture Notes in Physics, vol 375. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-53763-5_62
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-53763-5_62
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-540-53763-2
Online ISBN: 978-3-540-47090-8
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive