GASC Seminar

 
Algebraic and categorical structures in the renormalization of perturbative quantum field theories

 

Matt Szczesny

Boston University
 
 

Northeastern University

Monday, November 10, 2008


 

Talk at 12:15 PM in 511 Lake


 

Abstract: The renormalization procedure in perturbative quantum field theory seeks to extract finite quantities from divergent expansions of feynman Graphs. For a long time a seemingly "ad hoc" algorithm, it was put on solid algebraic footing in the work of Kreimer and Connes-Kreimer, by introducing a Hopf algebra structure on Feynman graphs, and relating the renormalized quantities to the twisted antipode in this Hopf algebra. I will given an introduction to these ideas, and discuss recent joint work with Kobi Kremnizer, showing how the above Hopf algebra structure can be seen to arise from the structure of a category on Feynman graphs, closely resembling that of a finitary abelian category. From this perspective, the Connes-Kreimer Hopf algebra is dual to the Ringel-Hall algebra of the category.



Here are some directions to Northeastern University. Lake Hall can be best accessed from the entrance on the corner of Greenleaf Street and Leon Street.



GASC Seminar Home Page Posted:  Octoer 9, 2008.
Web page:  Alexandru I. Suciu URL:   http://www.math.neu.edu/gasc/abs/szczesny08.html