Conference: Informal Talks


Invariants of 4-manifolds from Khovanov-Rozansky link homology

{{_Ltalk:R}} Dr. Paul Wedrich
Date: 25.09.19   Time: 13.00 - 14.30   Room: Y35F08a

Ribbon categories are 3-dimensional algebraic structures that control quantum link polynomials and that give rise to 3-manifold invariants known as skein modules. I will describe how to use Khovanov-Rozansky link homology, a categorification of the gl(N) quantum link polynomial, to obtain a 4-dimensional algebraic structure that gives rise to vector space-valued invariants of smooth 4-manifolds. The technical heart of this construction is the newly established functoriality of Khovanov-Rozansky homology in the 3-sphere. Based on joint work with Scott Morrison and Kevin Walker
https://arxiv.org/abs/1907.12194