Categorification of algebraic quantum field theories (Q829948)

Algebraic Quantum Field Theory (AQFT) on a curved spacetime (without vacuum) can be formulated as a functor from an orthogonal category \(\overline{\mathbf{C}}\) (usually of spacetimes) into the category \(\mathbf{Alg}_\mathbb{K}\) of unital associative algebras over \(\mathbb{K}\) (usuall one takes \(\mathbb{K} = \mathbb{C}\)), subject to Einstein causality and time slice axiom. Such a functor \(\mathbf{AQFT}\) is interpreted as an assignment of the algebra generated by observables that can be measured in the spacetime. In order to study some structures in gauge theories, the authors reformulate QFT in terms of 2-category. As a preparation, it is shown that there is an isomorphism between the category of AQFT and the category of \(\mathbf{Alg}_\mathbb{K}\)-valued prefactorization algebras on \(\overline{\mathbf{C}}\). Then a 2-categorical AQFT (2AQFT) is defined as a weak prefactorization algebra on \(\overline{\mathbf{C}}\) with values in the symmetryc monoidal 2-category \(\mathbf{Pr}_\mathbb{K}\) of locally presentable \(\mathbb{K}\)-linear categories. It is shown that there is a biadjunction between ordinary AQFTs and 2AQFTs, and every 2AQFT has an underlying ordinary AQFT (truncation). A characterization of when a 2AQFT is not determined by the truncation (``truncated'') is given. Examples of non-truncated 2AQFT are provided. One is constructed, for a finite group \(G\), by the assignment \(\mathbb{K}^G(c) = \mathbf{Rep}_\mathbb{K}(G)\) (independent of \(c \in \overline{\mathbf{C}}\)), and another is a certain classical orbifold field theory. Finally, an analog of Fredenhagen's universal algebra in 2AQFT is discussed.