Non-semisimple topological quantum field theories for 3-manifolds with corners (Q5948005)

This monograph is concerned with topological quantum field theories for 3-manifolds with corners. As it is known, quantum field theory and string theory are strictly related to the geometry and topology of low-dimensional manifolds. In particular, \textit{M. Atiyah} [Publ. Math., Inst. Hautes Étud. Sci. 68, 175-186 (1988; Zbl 0692.53053)] and \textit{G. B. Segal} [NATO ASI Ser., Ser. C 250, 165-171 (1988; Zbl 0657.53060)] formulated, independently, and at about the same time, the mathematical definitions of topological quantum field theories (TQFTs) and conformal field theories (CFTs), respectively, which are based on categories and functors. The authors extend the above notions, and define the so-called extended TQFTs. The new constructions require the use of some sort of higher category theory, namely double categories and double functors. It contains both Atiyah's notion of a TQFT in dimension 3 and Segal's notion of CFT as special cases. By further generalizations the authors construct new classes of TQFTs, namely, non-semisimple TQFTs. They are very useful for searching new invariants of low-dimensional manifolds with corners.