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Department of Mathematics,
University of California San Diego

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Algebra Seminar

Julia Plavnik

Texas A&M University

An introduction to modular categories

Abstract:

The problem of classifying modular categories is motivated by applications to topological quantum computation as algebraic models for topological phases of matter. These categories have also applications in different areas of mathematics like topological quantum field theory, von Neumann algebras, representation theory, and others. In this talk, we will start by introducing some of the basic definitions and properties of fusion, braided, and modular categories, and we will also give some concrete examples to have a better understanding of their structures. We will empathize some of the interesting properties that modular categories carry with them. We will give a brief overview on the situation of the classification program for this kind of categories.

Host: Henry Tucker

June 5, 2017

3:00 PM

AP&M 7218

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