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Virasoro Conformal Block
In two-dimensional conformal field theory, Virasoro conformal blocks (named after Miguel Ángel Virasoro) are special functions that serve as building blocks of correlation functions. On a given punctured Riemann surface, Virasoro conformal blocks form a particular basis of the space of solutions of the conformal Ward identites. Zero-point blocks on the torus are characters of representations of the Virasoro algebra; four-point blocks on the sphere reduce to hypergeometric functions in special cases, but are in general much more complicated. In two dimensions as in other dimensions, conformal blocks play an essential role in the conformal bootstrap approach to conformal field theory. Definition Definition from OPEs Using operator product expansions (OPEs), an N-point function on the sphere can be written as a combination of three-point structure constants, and universal quantities called N-point conformal blocks.P. Di Francesco, P. Mathieu, and D. Sénéchal, ''Conformal F ... [...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] |
Nome (mathematics)
In mathematics, specifically the theory of elliptic functions, the nome is a special function that belongs to the non-elementary functions. This function is of great importance in the description of the elliptic functions, especially in the description of the modular identity of the Jacobi theta function, the Hermite elliptic transcendents and the Weber modular functions, that are used for solving equations of higher degrees. Definition The nome function is given by :q =\mathrm^ =\mathrm^ =\mathrm^ \, where ''K'' and iK' are the quarter periods, and \omega_1 and \omega_2 are the fundamental pair of periods, and \tau=\frac=\frac is the half-period ratio. The nome can be taken to be a function of any one of these quantities; conversely, any one of these quantities can be taken as functions of the nome. Each of them uniquely determines the others when 0 |
W-symmetry
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) is ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Logarithmic Conformal Field Theory
In theoretical physics, a logarithmic conformal field theory is a conformal field theory in which the correlators of the basic fields are allowed to be logarithmic at short distance, instead of being powers of the fields' distance. Equivalently, the dilation operator is not diagonalizable. Examples of logarithmic conformal field theories include critical percolation. In two dimensions Just like conformal field theory in general, logarithmic conformal field theory has been particularly well-studied in two dimensions. Some two-dimensional logarithmic CFTs have been solved: * The Gaberdiel–Kausch CFT at central charge c=-2, which is rational with respect to its extended symmetry algebra, namely the triplet algebra. * The GL(1, 1) Wess–Zumino–Witten model, based on the simplest non-trivial supergroup Supergroup or super group may refer to: * Supergroup (music), a music group formed by artists who are already notable or respected in their fields * Supergroup (physics), a gen ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Painlevé Transcendents
In mathematics, Painlevé transcendents are solutions to certain nonlinear second-order ordinary differential equations in the complex plane with the Painlevé property (the only movable singularities are poles), but which are not generally solvable in terms of elementary functions. They were discovered by , , , and . History Painlevé transcendents have their origin in the study of special functions, which often arise as solutions of differential equations, as well as in the study of isomonodromic deformations of linear differential equations. One of the most useful classes of special functions are the elliptic functions. They are defined by second order ordinary differential equations whose singularities have the Painlevé property: the only movable singularities are poles. This property is rare in nonlinear equations. Poincaré and L. Fuchs showed that any first order equation with the Painlevé property can be transformed into the Weierstrass elliptic function or the Ri ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Minimal Model (physics)
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_ with ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Modular Group
In mathematics, the modular group is the projective special linear group of matrices with integer coefficients and determinant 1. The matrices and are identified. The modular group acts on the upper-half of the complex plane by fractional linear transformations, and the name "modular group" comes from the relation to moduli spaces and not from modular arithmetic. Definition The modular group is the group of linear fractional transformations of the upper half of the complex plane, which have the form :z\mapsto\frac, where , , , are integers, and . The group operation is function composition. This group of transformations is isomorphic to the projective special linear group , which is the quotient of the 2-dimensional special linear group over the integers by its center . In other words, consists of all matrices :\begin a & b \\ c & d \end where , , , are integers, , and pairs of matrices and are considered to be identical. The group operation is the usual mult ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Dedekind Eta Function
In mathematics, the Dedekind eta function, named after Richard Dedekind, is a modular form of weight 1/2 and is a function defined on the upper half-plane of complex numbers, where the imaginary part is positive. It also occurs in bosonic string theory. Definition For any complex number with , let ; then the eta function is defined by, :\eta(\tau) = e^\frac \prod_^\infty \left(1-e^\right) = q^\frac \prod_^\infty \left(1 - q^n\right) . Raising the eta equation to the 24th power and multiplying by gives :\Delta(\tau)=(2\pi)^\eta^(\tau) where is the modular discriminant. The presence of 24 can be understood by connection with other occurrences, such as in the 24-dimensional Leech lattice. The eta function is holomorphic on the upper half-plane but cannot be continued analytically beyond it. The eta function satisfies the functional equations :\begin \eta(\tau+1) &=e^\frac\eta(\tau),\\ \eta\left(-\frac\right) &= \sqrt\, \eta(\tau).\, \end In the second equation the bra ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Moduli Of Algebraic Curves
In algebraic geometry, a moduli space of (algebraic) curves is a geometric space (typically a scheme or an algebraic stack) whose points represent isomorphism classes of algebraic curves. It is thus a special case of a moduli space. Depending on the restrictions applied to the classes of algebraic curves considered, the corresponding moduli problem and the moduli space is different. One also distinguishes between fine and coarse moduli spaces for the same moduli problem. The most basic problem is that of moduli of smooth complete curves of a fixed genus. Over the field of complex numbers these correspond precisely to compact Riemann surfaces of the given genus, for which Bernhard Riemann proved the first results about moduli spaces, in particular their dimensions ("number of parameters on which the complex structure depends"). Moduli stacks of stable curves The moduli stack \mathcal_ classifies families of smooth projective curves, together with their isomorphisms. When g > 1 ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Affine Lie Algebra
In mathematics, an affine Lie algebra is an infinite-dimensional Lie algebra that is constructed in a canonical fashion out of a finite-dimensional simple Lie algebra. Given an affine Lie algebra, one can also form the associated affine Kac-Moody algebra, as described below. From a purely mathematical point of view, affine Lie algebras are interesting because their representation theory, like representation theory of finite-dimensional semisimple Lie algebras, is much better understood than that of general Kac–Moody algebras. As observed by Victor Kac, the character formula for representations of affine Lie algebras implies certain combinatorial identities, the Macdonald identities. Affine Lie algebras play an important role in string theory and two-dimensional conformal field theory due to the way they are constructed: starting from a simple Lie algebra \mathfrak, one considers the loop algebra, L\mathfrak, formed by the \mathfrak-valued functions on a circle (interpreted as the ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Young Diagram
In mathematics, a Young tableau (; plural: tableaux) is a combinatorial object useful in representation theory and Schubert calculus. It provides a convenient way to describe the group representations of the symmetric and general linear groups and to study their properties. Young tableaux were introduced by Alfred Young, a mathematician at Cambridge University, in 1900. They were then applied to the study of the symmetric group by Georg Frobenius in 1903. Their theory was further developed by many mathematicians, including Percy MacMahon, W. V. D. Hodge, G. de B. Robinson, Gian-Carlo Rota, Alain Lascoux, Marcel-Paul Schützenberger and Richard P. Stanley. Definitions ''Note: this article uses the English convention for displaying Young diagrams and tableaux''. Diagrams A Young diagram (also called a Ferrers diagram, particularly when represented using dots) is a finite collection of boxes, or cells, arranged in left-justified rows, with the row lengths in non-increasing o ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
