Tuesday, November 12, 2019
4:00 PM -
5:00 PM
Linde Hall 310
Mathematics Colloquium
Series: Mathematics Colloquium Series
Quantum topology and combinatorics of graphs on surfaces
This talk will outline a circle of ideas at the intersection of quantum topology, combinatorics, and lattice models in statistical mechanics. I will explain how the structure of (2+1)-dimensional topological quantum field theory gives rise to a conceptual framework for studying planar triangulations. More generally, applications will be given to the structure of classical and quantum polynomial invariants of graphs on surfaces and in 3-space. (No prior knowledge of quantum topology will be assumed.) This talk is based on joint works with Paul Fendley and with Ian Agol.
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For more information, please contact Math Department by phone at 4335 or by email at [email protected].