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Aspects of topological quantum field theories

Thesis/Dissertation ·
OSTI ID:5368598
A general procedure for the construction of topological quantum field theories is presented. This is based on the BRST gauge fixing already familiar from Yang-Mills and string theories. The philosophy behind BRST gauge fixing is explained. The close relationship between topological quantum field theories and the topology of moduli spaces is elucidated. The author also discusses the nature of the physical observables in these theories. Certain topological theories are then constructed and investigated. The three prototypes studied in this thesis are 4-dimensional Yang-Mills (i.e. Donaldson theory), a nonlinear sigma model, and an SO (2,1) gauge theory describing the topology of the moduli space of Riemann surfaces. The aim is to be able to compute topological invariants using the techniques of quantum field theory as well as provide models for generally covariant phases of quantum field theories.
Research Organization:
Stanford Univ., CA (United States)
OSTI ID:
5368598
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English