Vertex operator algebras from supersymmetric quantum field theories - dualities, new structures and relations

A main goal in theoretical physics is to understand foundational aspects of quantum field theories, such as their algebraic or categorical structures, and much of the recent progress in this direction has been deeply linked to advances in mathematics, notably vertex operators algebras (VOA). This interplay has generated surprising insights in both directions, particularly through relations between three-dimensional supersymmetric quantum field theories and certain distinguished VOAs. The latter capture special algebras of local operators, which can be defined from the boundary sector of the parent three-dimensional theories though a twisting procedure, and they are expected to provide meaningful classification invariants for these by encoding fundamental algebraic data.Nevertheless, the twist VOAs related to general three-dimensional supersymmetric gauge theories remain largely mysterious, with physical analyses usually limited to simple examples. To overcome this impasse, an innovative approach developed by the applicant constructs twist VOAs for large classes of theories as chiralizations of corresponding moduli spaces of vacua. This is a rigorous, systematic procedure which lifts the classical functions on these associated geometries to generating currents of the VOAs, and provides powerful insights into hidden VOA structures. Supported by preliminary data, this breakthrough enables: 1) a systematic analysis of physical symmetries and relations - such as 3d mirror symmetry - from a VOA perspective, as well as 2) concrete realizations of new and intriguing logarithmic VOAs through the lens of supersymmetric quantum field theories - which will be the main objectives of this action.The proposed research projects tackle fundamental and technically challenging long-standing questions in quantum field theory by creatively using the newly developed technology of chiralization, and they are expected to make an impact by establishing new exact methods of analysis.