SMS scnews item created by Kevin Coulembier at Fri 10 Feb 2017 2129
Type: Seminar
Distribution: World
Expiry: 10 Mar 2017
Calendar1: 17 Feb 2017 1200-1300
CalLoc1: Carslaw 375
CalTitle1: An introduction to Coulomb branches
Auth: kevinc@nata101.ugent.be (kcou7211) in SMS-WASM

Algebra Seminar: Weekes -- An introduction to Coulomb branches

Alex Weekes (Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics) 

Friday 17 February, 12-1pm, Place: Carslaw 375 

Title: An introduction to Coulomb branches.  

Abstract: This will be an introductory talk on the developing theory of Coulomb
branches, as defined recently by Braverman, Finkelberg and Nakajima.  These spaces are
proposed as a mathematically rigorous definition of spaces coming from physics: the
Coulomb branches of certain 3d N=4 supersymmetric gauge theories.  They are defined in
the language of algebraic geometry, by explicitly constructing their coordinate rings.
Many varieties of interest in representation theory arise as Coulomb branches.  

We will overview the definition of Coulomb branches, and discuss some examples.  We will
also describe their connection to representation theory, especially their expected role
in symplectic duality.  

There will be follow-up talks on February 20 and 22.