An algebraic geometry study of the \(b\)-\(c\) system with arbitrary twist fields and arbitrary statistics (Q1180446)

This paper takes up a particular model of conformal field theory on a curve in order to develop a formulation which is physically natural, mathematically rigorous and computationally effective. Considering the so-called ``\(b\)-\(c\) system'', we show how such features as its lagrangian, its ``zero mode'' properties and a heuristic ``charge conservation rule'' for ``spin fields'' used by physicists all have a common basis in theorem 2.2, which is proved by standard sheaf cohomology methods. We show how standard covering space methods of algebraic geometry provide a complete solution to the problem of `` twist fields''. Our geometric axiomatisation of the system leads to a classification of the possible statistics, leading to the possibility of generalised statistics (besides the fermi/bose cases) involving immanants and Schur's generalised matrix functions. Our earlier proof of Fay's trisecant identity for genus \(g\geq 2\) by an analysis of the fermionic \(b-c\) system [Expo. Math. 8, No. 3, 227-245 (1990; Zbl 0724.32015)] is shown to hold for \(g=0\) and \(g=1\) as well. This leads to a unified proof of Cauchy's bialternant identity, a little known theta function identity of Frobenius and Fay's identity.