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arXiv · hep-th/0008156

A remark on Schwarz's topological field theory

David H. Adams·Emil M. Prodanov
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Abstract

The standard evaluation of the partition function $Z$ of Schwarz's topological field theory results in the Ray--Singer analytic torsion. Here we present an alternative evaluation which results in Z=1. Mathematically, this amounts to a novel perspective on analytic torsion: it can be formally written as a ratio of volumes of spaces of differential forms which is formally equal to 1 by Hodge duality. An analogous result for Reidemeister combinatorial torsion is also obtained.

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David H. Adams, Emil M. Prodanov. 2000-08-20. A remark on Schwarz's topological field theory. https://doi.org/10.1023/a%3A1007628622454

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