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Caltech

Mathematics Colloquium

Tuesday, November 12, 2019
4:00pm to 5:00pm
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Linde Hall 310
Quantum topology and combinatorics of graphs on surfaces
Slava Krushkal, Department of Mathematics, University of Virginia,

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.

For more information, please contact Math Department by phone at 4335 or by email at [email protected].