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Zbl 1125.17010
Nikolov, Nikolay M.
Vertex algebras in higher dimensions and globally conformal invariant quantum field theory.
(English)
[J] Commun. Math. Phys. 253, No. 2, 283-322 (2005). ISSN 0010-3616; ISSN 1432-0916/e

The notion of vertex algebras [{\it V. Kac}, Vertex Algebras for Beginners, 2nd ed. University Lecture Series. 10. Providence, RI: American Mathematical Society (AMS) (1998; Zbl 0924.17023)] is closely related to the chiral two dimensional conformal field theory, where a vertex operator $Y(a,z)$ for a state $a$ is a formal power series in a formal or complex variable $z$ and its inverse $z^{-1}$. In the paper under review the author proposes an extension of the definition of vertex algebras in higher space-time dimensions. In this context, a vertex operator $Y(a,z)$ is a formal power series in $D$ variables $z = (z^1,\dots,z^D)$ including negative powers of $z^2 = (z^1)^2 + \cdots + (z^D)^2$. The author begins with the axioms of vertex algebras in higher dimensions, which essentially consist of the locality of vertex operators together with the vacuum vector and translation endomorphisms $T_1, \ldots T_D$. The harmonic decomposition of homogeneous polynomials in $z$ is used for the description of vertex operators. Basic results, such as the existence theorem and the associativity of vertex operators are obtained. Moreover, the author discusses the conformal symmetry and a nondegenerate hermitian form and gives a one-to-one correspondence between the quantum field theory with globally conformal invariance and the vertex algebras in higher dimensions. Examples of free field vertex algebras based on Lie superalgebras of formal distributions are also presented.
MSC 2000:
*17B69 Vertex operators
81R10 Repres. of infinite-dim. groups and algebras from quantum theory

Keywords: vertex algebra; quantum field theory; conformal invariance

Citations: Zbl 0924.17023

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