UW-PIMS Mathematics Colloquium: Edward Witten, Institute for Advanced Study

  • Date: 02/17/2012
  • Time: 14:30
Lecturer(s):
Edward Witten, School of Natural Sciences, Institute for Advanced Study.
Location: 

University of Washington

Topic: 

Gauge Theory and Khovanov Homology

Description: 

Abstract: After reviewing ordinary finite-dimensional Morse theory, I will explain how Morse generalized Morse theory to loop spaces, and how Floer generalized it to gauge theory on a three-manifold. Then I will describe an analog of Floer cohomology with the gauge group taken to be a complex Lie group (rather than a compact group as assumed by Floer), and how this is expected to be related to the Jones polynomial of knots and Khovanov homology.

Schedule: 

2:30pm in Smith Hall, Room 205, University of Washington

Other Information: 
Sponsor: