Lattice Models And Conformal Field Theory

Lattice Models and Conformal Field Theory

This book introduces the mathematical ideas connecting Statistical Mechanics and Conformal Field Theory (CFT). Building advanced structures on top of more elementary ones, the authors map out a well-posed road from simple lattice models to CFTs. Structured in two parts, the book begins by exploring several two-dimensional lattice models, their phase transitions, and their conjectural connection with CFT. Through these lattice models and their local fields, the fundamental ideas and results of two-dimensional CFTs emerge, with a special emphasis on the Unitary Minimal Models of CFT. Delving into the delicate ideas that lead to the classification of these CFTs, the authors discuss the assumptions on the lattice models whose scaling limits are described by CFTs. This produces a probabilistic rather than an axiomatic or algebraic definition of CFTs. Suitable for graduate students and researchers in mathematics and physics, Lattice Models and Conformal Field Theory introduces the ideas at the core of Statistical Field Theory. Assuming only undergraduate probability and complex analysis, the authors carefully motivate every argument and assumption made. Concrete examples and exercises allow readers to check their progress throughout.

Conformal Field Theory and Solvable Lattice Models

Advanced Studies in Pure Mathematics, 16: Conformal Field Theory and Solvable Lattice Models contains nine papers based on the symposium "Conformal field theory and solvable lattice models" held at RIMS, Kyoto, May 1986. These papers cover the following active areas in mathematical physics: conformal field theory, solvable lattice models, affine and Virasoro algebra, and KP equations. The volume begins with an analysis of 1 and 2 point correlation functions of the Gibbs measure of random matrices. This is followed by separate chapters on solvable solid-on-solid (SOS) models; lectures on conformal field theory; the construction of Fermion variables for the 3D Ising Model; and vertex operator construction of null fields (singular vertex operators) based on the oscillator representation of conformal and superconformal algebras with central charge extention. Subsequent chapters deal with Hecke algebra representations of braid groups and classical Yang-Baxter equations; the relationship between the conformal field theories and the soliton equations (KdV, MKdV and Sine-Gordon, etc.) at both quantum and classical levels; and a supersymmetric extension of the Kadomtsev-Petviashvili hierarchy.

Conformal Field Theory and Solvable Lattice Models