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PIRSA:20060018

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https://pirsa.org/20060018

On the classification of topological phases

Johnson-Freyd, T. (2020). On the classification of topological phases. Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. https://pirsa.org/20060018

Theo Johnson-Freyd Dalhousie University

Talk numberPIRSA:20060018
DOI10.48660/20060018
Source RepositoryPIRSA
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Talk Type Scientific Series
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Abstract

There is a rich interplay between higher algebra (category theory, algebraic topology) and condensed matter. I will describe recent mathematical results in the classification of gapped topological phases of matter. These results allow powerful techniques from stable homotopy theory and higher categories to be employed in the classification. In one direction, these techniques allow for complete a priori classifications in spacetime dimensions ≤6. In the other direction, they suggest fascinating and surprising statements in mathematics.