Thu, 22 May 2025

15:00 - 16:00
L6

Exploring the $c$ - the conformal anomaly and spaces of field theories

Ludovic Fraser-Taliente
Abstract
$c$ is pretty cool. In two-dimensional critical theories, we are surrounded by it: it appears in the Virasoro central charge, the Stefan-Boltzmann constant, the conformal 'anomaly', the entanglement entropy, and at the endpoints of the Zamolodchikov $C$-function - and, of course, it doesn't appear on the string worldsheet. I will explain these appearances and the tight relationships between them, and discuss how we might use $c$ to chart and classify the space of CFTs and QFTs.


 

Junior Strings is a seminar series where DPhil students present topics of common interest that do not necessarily overlap with their own research area. This is primarily aimed at PhD students and post-docs but everyone is welcome.

Exponential asymptotics for translational modes in the discrete nonlinear Schrödinger model
 Lustri, C Kevrekidis, P Chapman, S Quarterly of Applied Mathematics

Short Story

Another mathematical parable from the Book of Josh.

Martingale Foundation PhD Survey

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Prelims Corner

Maths on a window

A reminder that prelims corner is taking place next Monday at 11am in the South Mezzanine! Feel free to stop by and ask Mario any questions you may have relating to your study, problem sheets or student life in general. Drinks and snacks provided!

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Born on this day: Italian mathematician Maria Gaetana Agnesi

Harris Hill Maths Teaching Positions

Harris Hill is offering several Maths teaching positions with leading independent schools in London and the South East of England from September 2025. These are permanent positions which would entail teaching Maths up to A level.

Essential: An excellent academic background including an undergraduate degree in Maths or related discipline.

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The teaching language is English and the program is based on the research team in mathematics at CEREMADE (Paris Dauphine-PSL), at DMA (Ecole Normale Supérieure - PSL), at Ecole des Mines Paris-PSL, at Paris Observatory-PSL, at the EHESS, and at Collège de France.

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