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Virasoro Minimal Model
In theoretical physics, a minimal model or Virasoro minimal model is a two-dimensional conformal field theory whose spectrum is built from finitely many irreducible representations of the Virasoro algebra. Minimal models have been classified and solved, and found to obey an ADE classification. The term minimal model can also refer to a rational CFT based on an algebra that is larger than the Virasoro algebra, such as a W-algebra. Relevant representations of the Virasoro algebra Representations In minimal models, the central charge of the Virasoro algebra takes values of the type : c_ = 1 - 6 \ . where p, q are coprime integers such that p,q \geq 2. Then the conformal dimensions of degenerate representations are : h_ = \frac\ , \quad \text\ r,s\in\mathbb^*\ , and they obey the identities : h_ = h_ = h_\ . The spectrums of minimal models are made of irreducible, degenerate lowest-weight representations of the Virasoro algebra, whose conformal dimensions are of the type h_ w ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Theoretical Physics
Theoretical physics is a branch of physics that employs mathematical models and abstractions of physical objects and systems to rationalize, explain and predict natural phenomena. This is in contrast to experimental physics, which uses experimental tools to probe these phenomena. The advancement of science generally depends on the interplay between experimental studies and theory. In some cases, theoretical physics adheres to standards of mathematical rigour while giving little weight to experiments and observations.There is some debate as to whether or not theoretical physics uses mathematics to build intuition and illustrativeness to extract physical insight (especially when normal experience fails), rather than as a tool in formalizing theories. This links to the question of it using mathematics in a less formally rigorous, and more intuitive or heuristic way than, say, mathematical physics. For example, while developing special relativity, Albert Einstein was concerned wit ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Two-dimensional Conformal Field Theory
A two-dimensional conformal field theory is a quantum field theory on a Euclidean two-dimensional space, that is invariant under local conformal transformations. In contrast to other types of conformal field theories, two-dimensional conformal field theories have infinite-dimensional symmetry algebras. In some cases, this allows them to be solved exactly, using the conformal bootstrap method. Notable two-dimensional conformal field theories include minimal models, Liouville theory, massless free bosonic theories, Wess–Zumino–Witten models, and certain sigma models. Basic structures Geometry Two-dimensional conformal field theories (CFTs) are defined on Riemann surfaces, where local conformal maps are holomorphic functions. While a CFT might conceivably exist only on a given Riemann surface, its existence on any surface other than the sphere implies its existence on all surfaces. Given a CFT, it is indeed possible to glue two Riemann surfaces where it exists, and obtain t ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Irreducible Representation
In mathematics, specifically in the representation theory of groups and algebras, an irreducible representation (\rho, V) or irrep of an algebraic structure A is a nonzero representation that has no proper nontrivial subrepresentation (\rho, _W,W), with W \subset V closed under the action of \. Every finite-dimensional unitary representation on a Hilbert space V is the direct sum of irreducible representations. Irreducible representations are always indecomposable (i.e. cannot be decomposed further into a direct sum of representations), but converse may not hold, e.g. the two-dimensional representation of the real numbers acting by upper triangular unipotent matrices is indecomposable but reducible. History Group representation theory was generalized by Richard Brauer from the 1940s to give modular representation theory, in which the matrix operators act on a vector space over a field K of arbitrary characteristic, rather than a vector space over the field of real numbers or o ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Virasoro Algebra
In mathematics, the Virasoro algebra (named after the physicist Miguel Ángel Virasoro) is a complex Lie algebra and the unique central extension of the Witt algebra. It is widely used in two-dimensional conformal field theory and in string theory. Definition The Virasoro algebra is spanned by generators for and the central charge . These generators satisfy ,L_n0 and The factor of 1/12 is merely a matter of convention. For a derivation of the algebra as the unique central extension of the Witt algebra, see derivation of the Virasoro algebra. The Virasoro algebra has a presentation in terms of two generators (e.g. 3 and −2) and six relations. Representation theory Highest weight representations A highest weight representation of the Virasoro algebra is a representation generated by a primary state: a vector v such that : L_ v = 0, \quad L_0 v = hv, where the number is called the conformal dimension or conformal weight of v.P. Di Francesco, P. Mathieu, and D. S ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
ADE Classification
In mathematics, the ADE classification (originally ''A-D-E'' classifications) is a situation where certain kinds of objects are in correspondence with simply laced Dynkin diagrams. The question of giving a common origin to these classifications, rather than a posteriori verification of a parallelism, was posed in . The complete list of simply laced Dynkin diagrams comprises :A_n, \, D_n, \, E_6, \, E_7, \, E_8. Here "simply laced" means that there are no multiple edges, which corresponds to all simple roots in the root system forming angles of \pi/2 = 90^\circ (no edge between the vertices) or 2\pi/3 = 120^\circ (single edge between the vertices). These are two of the four families of Dynkin diagrams (omitting B_n and C_n), and three of the five exceptional Dynkin diagrams (omitting F_4 and G_2). This list is non-redundant if one takes n \geq 4 for D_n. If one extends the families to include redundant terms, one obtains the exceptional isomorphisms :D_3 \cong A_3, E_4 \cong A_4, ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
W-algebra
In conformal field theory and representation theory, a W-algebra is an associative algebra that generalizes the Virasoro algebra. W-algebras were introduced by Alexander Zamolodchikov, and the name "W-algebra" comes from the fact that Zamolodchikov used the letter W for one of the elements of one of his examples. Definition A W-algebra is an associative algebra that is generated by the modes of a finite number of meromorphic fields W^(z), including the energy-momentum tensor T(z)=W^(z). For h\neq 2, W^(z) is a primary field of conformal dimension h\in\frac12\mathbb^*. The generators (W^_n)_ of the algebra are related to the meromorphic fields by the mode expansions : W^(z) = \sum_ W^_n z^ The commutation relations of L_n=W^_n are given by the Virasoro algebra, which is parameterized by a central charge c\in \mathbb. This number is also called the central charge of the W-algebra. The commutation relations : _m, W^_n= ((h-1)m-n)W^_ are equivalent to the assumption that W^(z) i ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Verma Module
Verma modules, named after Daya-Nand Verma, are objects in the representation theory of Lie algebras, a branch of mathematics. Verma modules can be used in the classification of irreducible representations of a complex semisimple Lie algebra. Specifically, although Verma modules themselves are infinite dimensional, quotients of them can be used to construct finite-dimensional representations with highest weight \lambda, where \lambda is dominant and integral. Their homomorphisms correspond to invariant differential operators over flag manifolds. Informal construction We can explain the idea of a Verma module as follows. Let \mathfrak be a semisimple Lie algebra (over \mathbb, for simplicity). Let \mathfrak be a fixed Cartan subalgebra of \mathfrak and let R be the associated root system. Let R^+ be a fixed set of positive roots. For each \alpha\in R^+, choose a nonzero element X_\alpha for the corresponding root space \mathfrak_\alpha and a nonzero element Y_\alpha in the root ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Two-dimensional Conformal Field Theory
A two-dimensional conformal field theory is a quantum field theory on a Euclidean two-dimensional space, that is invariant under local conformal transformations. In contrast to other types of conformal field theories, two-dimensional conformal field theories have infinite-dimensional symmetry algebras. In some cases, this allows them to be solved exactly, using the conformal bootstrap method. Notable two-dimensional conformal field theories include minimal models, Liouville theory, massless free bosonic theories, Wess–Zumino–Witten models, and certain sigma models. Basic structures Geometry Two-dimensional conformal field theories (CFTs) are defined on Riemann surfaces, where local conformal maps are holomorphic functions. While a CFT might conceivably exist only on a given Riemann surface, its existence on any surface other than the sphere implies its existence on all surfaces. Given a CFT, it is indeed possible to glue two Riemann surfaces where it exists, and obtain t ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Two-dimensional Critical Ising Model
The two-dimensional critical Ising model is the critical limit of the Ising model in two dimensions. It is a two-dimensional conformal field theory whose symmetry algebra is the Virasoro algebra with the central charge c=\tfrac12. Correlation functions of the spin and energy operators are described by the (4, 3) minimal model. While the minimal model has been exactly solved, see also, e.g., the article on Ising critical exponents, the solution does not cover other observables such as connectivities of clusters. The minimal model Space of states and conformal dimensions The Kac table of the (4, 3) minimal model is: : \begin 2 & \frac & \frac & 0 \\ 1 & 0 & \frac & \frac \\ \hline & 1 & 2 & 3 \end This means that the space of states is generated by three primary states, which correspond to three primary fields or operators: : \begin \hline \text & \text & \text & \text \\ \hline (1,1) \text (3,2) & 0 & \mathbf & \text \\ (2,1) \text (2,2) & \frac & \sigma & \text \\ ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Quantum Three-state Potts Model
The three-state Potts CFT, also known as the \mathbb_3 parafermion CFT, is a conformal field theory in two dimensions. It is a minimal model with central charge c=4/5 . It is considered to be the simplest minimal model with a non-diagonal partition function in Virasoro characters, as well as the simplest non-trivial CFT with the W-algebra as a symmetry. Properties The critical three-state Potts model has a central charge of c = 4/5 , and thus belongs to the discrete family of unitary minimal models with central charge less than one. These conformal field theories are fully classified and for the most part well-understood. The modular partition function of the critical three-state Potts model is given by :: Z = , \chi_ + \chi_, ^2 + , \chi_ + \chi_, ^2 + 2, \chi_, ^2+2, \chi_, ^2 Here \chi_ (q) \equiv \textrm_ (q^) refers to the Virasoro character, found by taking the trace over the Verma module generated from the Virasoro primary operator labeled by integers r, s . Th ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Liouville Field Theory
In physics, Liouville field theory (or simply Liouville theory) is a two-dimensional conformal field theory whose classical equation of motion is a generalization of Liouville's equation. Liouville theory is defined for all complex values of the central charge c of its Virasoro symmetry algebra, but it is unitary only if :c\in(1,+\infty), and its classical limit is : c\to +\infty. Although it is an interacting theory with a continuous spectrum, Liouville theory has been solved. In particular, its three-point function on the sphere has been determined analytically. Introduction Liouville theory describes the dynamics of a field \phi called the Liouville field, which is defined on a two-dimensional space. This field is not a free field due to the presence of an exponential potential : V(\phi) = e^\ , where the parameter b is called the coupling constant. In a free field theory, the energy eigenvectors e^ are linearly independent, and the momentum \alpha is conserved in intera ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
