N3.12

I will explain in what sense the theory of finite tensor categories is a categorification of the theory of finite dimensional algebras. In particular, I will introduce finite module categories, review a key result of Ostrik, and present Morita theory for finite categories. I will give many examples to illustrate these ideas. Then, I will explain the elementary properties of finite braided tensor categories. If time permits, I will also mention my own work, which consists in categorifying these ideas once more!

The Teichmüller space for a closed surface of genus g is the space of marked complex/hyperbolic structures on the surface. Teichmüller space also identifies with the space of Fuchsian representations of the fundamental group into PSL(2,R) (mod conjugation). Higher Teichmüller theory concerns special representations of surface (or hyperbolic) groups into higher rank Lie groups of non-compact type.

Locally analytic representations of $p$-adic Lie groups are of interest in several branches of number theory, for example in the theory of automorphic forms and in the $p$-adic local Langlands program. To better understand these representations, Ardakov-Wadsley introduced a sheaf of infinite order differential operators $\overparen{\mathcal{D}}$ on smooth rigid analytic spaces, which resulted in several Beilinson-Bernstein style localisation theorems. In this talk, we discuss the current research on analogues of a Riemann-Hilbert correspondence for $\overparen{\mathcal{D}}$-modules, and what this has to do with complete convex bornological vector spaces.

Superconformal field theories (SCFTs) of Argyres-Dougles type are inherently strongly coupled and provide a window onto remarkable non-perturbative phenomena (such as mutually non-local massless dyons and relevant Coulomb branch operators of fractional dimension). I am going to discuss the first explicit proposal for the holographic duals of a class of SCFTs of Argyres-Douglas type. The theories under examination are realised by a stack of M5-branes wrapped on a sphere with one irregular puncture and one regular puncture. In the dual 11d supergravity solutions, the irregular puncture is realised as an internal M5-brane source.

The Specht modules are of fundamental importance to the representation theory of the symmetric group, and their 0th cohomology is understood through entirely combinatorial methods due to Gordon James. Over fields of odd characteristic, Hemmer proposed a similar combinatorial approach to calculating their 1st degree cohomology, or extensions by the trivial module. This combinatorial approach motivates the definition of universal $p$-ary designs, which we shall classify. We then explore the consequences of this classification to problem of determining extensions of Specht modules. In particular, we classify all extensions of Specht modules indexed by two-part partitions by the trivial module and shall see some far-reaching conditions on when the first cohomology of a Specht module is trivial.

[REMOTE TALK]

In this talk, we will propose a new construction of the virtual fundamental classes of quasi-smooth derived schemes using the vanishing cycle complexes. This is based on the dimensional reduction theorem of cohomological Donaldson—Thomas invariants which can be regarded as a variant of the Thom isomorphism. We will also discuss a conjectural approach to construct DT4 virtual classes using the vanishing cycle complexes.

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86267335498?pwd=R2hrZ1N3VGJYbWdLd0htZzA4Mm5pd…

The Krull dimension is an ideal-theoretic invariant of an algebra. It has an important meaning in algebraic geometry: the Krull dimension of a commutative algebra is equal to the dimension of the corresponding affine variety/scheme. In my talk I'll explain how this idea can be transformed into a tool for measuring non-commutative rings. I'll illustrate this with important examples and techniques, and describe what is known for Iwasawa algebras of compact $p$-adic Lie groups.