ISSN:
1573-0530
Keywords:
57N13
;
81T43
;
83C45
;
topological quantum field theory
;
BF theory
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Mathematics
,
Physics
Notes:
Abstract Starting from a Lie group G whose Lie algebra is equipped with an invariant nondegenerate symmetric bilinear form, we show that four-dimensional BF theory with cosmological term gives rise to a TQFT satisfying a generalization of Atiyah's axioms to manifolds equipped with principal G-bundle. The case G=GL(4,ℝ) is especially interesting because every 4-manifold is then naturally equipped with a principal G-bundle, namely its frame bundle. In this case, the partition function of a compact oriented 4-manifold is the exponential of its signature, and the resulting TQFT is isomorphic to that constructed by Crane and Yetter using a state sum model, or by Broda using a surgery presentation of four-manifolds.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00398315
