Chiral Higgs branch localization

Despite being our best fundamental description of reality, quantum field theories (QFTs) are not properly understood mathematically. To remedy this, one must take advantage of physical phenomena that elucidate unexpected relationships between different algebraic and geometric structures appearing in QFT. One such phenomenon is known as “3d mirror symmetry” which among other things relates two geometric structures known as the “Higgs branch” and the “Coulomb branch” of certain QFTs. This project aims to investigate a recently discovered relationship between the geometry of the Higgs branch and the algebraic techniques used to study 3d mirror symmetry. This investigation should lead to the development of new tools that could allow access to mathematical aspects of 3d mirror symmetry that have thus far proven difficult to probe.

Faculty Supervisor:

Ben Webster

Student:

Partner:

University of Edinburgh

Discipline:

Mathematics

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Waterloo

Program: