Morse theory interpretation of topological quantum field theories (Q912444)

The attempt of exhibiting the proper framework for topological field theories is made. Instead of considering the BRST-quantized versions of theories with a trivial action it is conjectured that the topological field theories can be interpreted as a generalized form of Morse theory. This correspondence is shown in full detail for the case of topological quantum mechanics. First, the generalized form of Morse theory is conjectured by extending the formula for topological invariant in degenerated Morse theory. This formula is then studied and related to some quantum-mechanical system (topological quantum mechanics). Applying the field theoretical methods one can calculate the above invariant and prove the Gauss-Bonnet-Chern-Avez formula together with some results of degenerate Morse theory.