arXiv subjects

P. Teotonio-Sobrinho

Publications and source records attributed to P. Teotonio-Sobrinho.

31 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv1997

Quasi-Topological Field Theories in Two Dimensions as Soluble Models

We study a class of lattice field theories in two dimensions that includes gauge theories. Given a two dimensional orientable surface of genus $g$, the partition function $Z$ is defined for a triangulation consisting of $n$ triangles of area $ε$. The reason these models are called quasi-topological is that $Z$ depends on $g$, $n$ and $ε$ but not on the details of the triangulation. They are also soluble in the sense that the computation of their partition functions can be reduced to a soluble one dimensional problem. We show that the continuum limit is well defined if the model approaches a topological field theory in the zero area limit, i.e., $ε\to 0$ with finite $n$. We also show that the universality classes of such quasi-topological lattice field theories can be easily classified. Yang-Mills and generalized Yang-Mills theories appear as particular examples of such continuum limits.

hep-th↗

arXiv1996

Topology Change and theta-Vacua in 2D Yang-Mills Theory

We discuss the existence of $θ$-vacua in pure Yang-Mills theory in two space-time dimensions. More precisely, a procedure is given which allows one to classify the distinct quantum theories possessing the same classical limit for an arbitrary connected gauge group G and compact space-time manifold M (possibly with boundary) possessing a special basepoint. For any such G and M it is shown that the above quantizations are in one-to-one correspondence with the irreducible unitary representations (IUR's) of $π_1(G)$ if M is orientable, and with the IUR's of $π_1(G)/2π_1(G)$ if M is nonorientable.

hep-th↗

arXiv1996

Lattice Gauge Fields and Noncommutative Geometry

Conventional approaches to lattice gauge theories do not properly consider the topology of spacetime or of its fields. In this paper, we develop a formulation which tries to remedy this defect. It starts from a cubical decomposition of the supporting manifold (compactified spacetime or spatial slice) interpreting it as a finite topological approximation in the sense of Sorkin. This finite space is entirely described by the algebra of cochains with the cup product. The methods of Connes and Lott are then used to develop gauge theories on this algebra and to derive Wilson's actions for the gauge and Dirac fields therefrom which can now be given geometrical meaning. We also describe very natural candidates for the QCD theta term and Chern-Simons action suggested by this algebraic formulation. Some of these formulations are simpler than currently available alternatives. The paper treats both the functional integral and Hamiltonian approaches.

hep-lat↗

arXiv1995

Noncommutative Lattices as Finite Approximations and Their Noncommutative Geometries

Lattice discretizations of continuous manifolds are common tools used in a variety of physical contexts. Conventional discrete approximations, however, cannot capture all aspects of the original manifold, notably its topology. In this paper we discuss an approximation scheme due to Sorkin which correctly reproduces important topological aspects of continuum physics. The approximating topological spaces are partially ordered sets (posets), the partial order encoding the topology. Now, the topology of a manifold $M$ can be reconstructed from the commutative C*-algebra $\cc(M)$ of continuous functions defined on it. In turn, this algebra is generated by continuous probability densities in ordinary quantum physics on $M$. The latter also serve to specify the domains of observables like the Hamiltonian. For a poset, the role of this algebra is assumed by a noncommutative C$^*$-algebra $\ca $. This fact makes any poset a genuine `noncommutative' (`quantum') space, in the sense that the algebra of its `continuous functions' is a noncommutative C$^*$-algebra. We therefore also have a remarkable connection between finite approximations to quantum physics and noncommutative geometries. We use this connection to develop various approximation methods for doing quantum physics using $\ca$.

hep-th↗

arXiv1995

Lattices and Their Continuum Limits

We address the problem of the continuum limit for a system of Hausdorff lattices (namely lattices of isolated points) approximating a topological space $M$. The correct framework is that of projective systems. The projective limit is a universal space from which $M$ can be recovered as a quotient. We dualize the construction to approximate the algebra ${\cal C}(M)$ of continuous functions on $M$. In a companion paper we shall extend this analysis to systems of noncommutative lattices (non Hausdorff lattices).

hep-th↗

arXiv1995

Noncommutative Lattices and Their Continuum Limits

We consider finite approximations of a topological space $M$ by noncommutative lattices of points. These lattices are structure spaces of noncommutative $C^*$-algebras which in turn approximate the algebra $\cc(M)$ of continuous functions on $M$. We show how to recover the space $M$ and the algebra $\cc(M)$ from a projective system of noncommutative lattices and an inductive system of noncommutative $C^*$-algebras, respectively.

hep-th↗

arXiv1995

Self-Intersection Numbers and Random Surfaces on the Lattice

String theory in 4 dimensions has the unique feature that a topological term, the oriented self-intersection number, can be added to the usual action. It has been suggested that the corresponding theory of random surfaces wold be free from the problem encountered in the scaling of the string tension. Unfortunately, in the usual dynamical triangulation it is not clear how to write such a term. We show that for random surfaces on a hypercubic lattice however, the analogue of the oriented self-intersection number $I[\s]$ can be defined and computed in a straightforward way. Furthermore, $I[\s]$ has a genuine topological meaning in the sense that it is invariant under the discrete analogue of continuous deformations. The resulting random surface model is no longer free and may lead to a non trivial continuum limit.

hep-th↗

arXiv1994

Finite Quantum Physics and Noncommutative Geometry

Conventional discrete approximations of a manifold do not preserve its nontrivial topological features. In this article we describe an approximation scheme due to Sorkin which reproduces physically important aspects of manifold topology with striking fidelity. The approximating topological spaces in this scheme are partially ordered sets (posets). Now, in ordinary quantum physics on a manifold $M$, continuous probability densities generate the commutative C*-algebra $\cc(M)$ of continuous functions on $M$. It has a fundamental physical significance, containing the information to reconstruct the topology of $M$, and serving to specify the domains of observables like the Hamiltonian. For a poset, the role of this algebra is assumed by a noncommutative C*-algebra $\ca $. As noncommutative geometries are based on noncommutative C*-algebras, we therefore have a remarkable connection between finite approximations to quantum physics and noncommutative geometries. Various methods for doing quantum physics using $\ca $ are explored. Particular attention is paid to developing numerically viable approximation schemes which at the same time preserve important topological features of continuum physics.

hep-th↗

arXiv1993

Discretized Laplacians on an Interval and their Renormalization Group

The Laplace operator admits infinite self-adjoint extensions when considered on a segment of the real line. They have different domains of essential self-adjointness characterized by a suitable set of boundary conditions on the wave functions. In this paper we show how to recover these extensions by studying the continuum limit of certain discretized versions of the Laplace operator on a lattice. Associated to this limiting procedure, there is a renormalization flow in the finite dimensional parameter space describing the dicretized operators. This flow is shown to have infinite fixed points, corresponding to the self-adjoint extensions characterized by scale invariant boundary conditions. The other extensions are recovered by looking at the other trajectories of the flow.

hep-lat↗

arXiv1993

Finite Approximations to Quantum Physics: Quantum Points and their Bundles

There exists a physically well motivated method for approximating manifolds by certain topological spaces with a finite or a countable set of points. These spaces, which are partially ordered sets (posets) have the power to effectively reproduce important topological features of continuum physics like winding numbers and fractional statistics, and that too often with just a few points. In this work, we develop the essential tools for doing quantum physics on posets. The poset approach to covering space quantization, soliton physics, gauge theories and the Dirac equation are discussed with emphasis on physically important topological aspects. These ideas are illustrated by simple examples like the covering space quantization of a particle on a circle, and the sine-Gordon solitons.

hep-th↗

arXiv1993

Vertex Operators for the BF System and its Spin-Statistics Theorems

Let $B$ and $F=\frac 12F_{μν}dx^μ\wedge dx^ν$ be two forms, $F_{μν}$ being the field strength of an abelian connection $A$. The topological $BF$ system is given by the integral of $B\wedge F$. With "kinetic energy'' terms added for $B$ and $A$, it generates a mass for $A$ thereby suggesting an alternative to the Higgs mechanism, and also gives the London equations. The $BF$ action, being the large length and time scale limit of this augmented action, is thus of physical interest. In earlier work, it has been studied on spatial manifold $Σ$ with boundaries $\partial Σ$, and the existence of edge states localised at $\partial Σ$ has been established. They are analogous to the conformal family of edge states to be found in a Chern-Simons theory in a disc. Here we introduce charges and vortices (thin flux tubes) as sources in the $BF$ system and show that they acquire an infinite number of spin excitations due to renormalization, just as a charge coupled to a Chern-Simons potential acquires a conformal family of spin excitations. For a vortex, these spins are transverse and attached to each of its points, so that it resembles a ribbon. Vertex operators for the creatin of these sources are constructed and interpreted in terms of a Wilson integral involving $A$ and a similar integral involving $B$. The standard spin-statistics theorem is proved for this sources. A new spin-statistics theorem, showing the equality of the ``interchange'' of two identical vortex loops and $2π$ rotation of the transverse spins of a constituent vortex, is established. Aharonov-Bohm interactions of charges and vortices are studied. The existence of topologically nontrivial vortex spins is pointed out and their vertex

hep-th↗

arXiv1993

Edge States in 4D and their 3D Groups and Fields

It is known that the Lagrangian for the edge states of a Chern-Simons theory describes a coadjoint orbit of a Kac-Moody (KM) group with its associated Kirillov symplectic form and group representation. It can also be obtained from a chiral sector of a nonchiral field theory. We study the edge states of the abelian $BF$ system in four dimensions (4d) and show the following results in almost exact analogy: 1) The Lagrangian for these states is associated with a certain 2d generalization of the KM group. It describes a coadjoint orbit of this group as a Kirillov symplectic manifold and also the corresponding group representation. 2) It can be obtained from with a ``self-dual" or ``anti-self-dual" sector of a Lagrangian describing a massless scalar and a Maxwell field [ the phrase ``self-dual" here being used essentially in its sense in monopole theory]. There are similar results for the nonabelian $BF$ system as well. These shared features of edge states in 3d and 4d suggest that the edge Lagrangians for $BF$ systems are certain natural generalizations of field theory Lagrangians related to KM groups.

hep-th↗

arXiv1992

The Edge States of the BF System and the London Equations

It is known that the 3d Chern-Simons interaction describes the scaling limit of a quantum Hall system and predicts edge currents in a sample with boundary, the currents generating a chiral $U(1)$ Kac-Moody algebra. It is no doubt also recognized that in a somewhat similar way, the 4d $BF$ interaction (with $B$ a two form, $dB$ the dual $^*j$ of the eletromagnetic current, and F the electromagnetic field form) describes the scaling limit of a superconductor. We show in this paper that there are edge excitations in this model as well for manifolds with boundaries. They are the modes of a scalar field with invariance under the group of diffeomorphisms (diffeos) of the bounding spatial two-manifold. Not all of this group seem implementable by operators in quantum theory, the implementable group being a subgroup of volume preserving diffeos. The $BF$ system in this manner can lead to the $w_{1+\infty }$ algebra and its variants. Lagrangians for fields on the bounding manifold which account for the edge observables on quantization are also presented. They are the analogues of the $1+1$ dimentional massless scalar field Lagrangian describing the edge modes of an abelian Chern-Simons theory with a disk as the spatial manifold. We argue that the addition of ``Maxwell'' terms constructed from $F\wedge ^*F$ and $dB\wedge ^*dB$ do not affect the edge states, and that the augmented Lagrangian has an infinite number of conserved charges- the aforementioned scalar field modes- localized at the edges. This Lagrangian is known to describe London equations and a massive vector field. A $(3+1)$ dimensional generalization of the Hall effect involving vortices coupled to $B$ is also proposed.

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