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Mathematical Research at the University of Cambridge

 

Topological phases of matter in (2+1)D should naturally form a 3-category, in which k-morphisms represent defects of codimension k. By the cobordism hypothesis, the 3-categories of (2+1)D topological order with a fixed anomaly are each equivalent to the 3-category of fusion categories enriched over a corresponding UMTC. In ongoing work with Fiona Burnell, we introduce algebraic techniques for concrete computations in 3-categories of (2+1)D topological order, including a tunneling approach to the classification of point defects which generalizes the use of braiding to identify anyon types. We then apply these techniques to compute ground state degeneracy and classify low energy excitations in a class of fracton-like (2+1)D topological defect networks.

Further information

Time:

30Oct
Oct 30th 2025
11:30 to 12:30

Venue:

Seminar Room 1, Newton Institute

Speaker:

Peter Huston (University of Leeds)

Series:

Isaac Newton Institute Seminar Series