Algebra Seminar: Weekes -- An introduction to Coulomb branches

Alex Weekes (Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics) 

Friday 17 February, 12-1pm, Place: Carslaw 375 

Title: An introduction to Coulomb branches.  

Abstract: This will be an introductory talk on the developing theory of Coulomb
branches, as defined recently by Braverman, Finkelberg and Nakajima.  These spaces are
proposed as a mathematically rigorous definition of spaces coming from physics: the
Coulomb branches of certain 3d N=4 supersymmetric gauge theories.  They are defined in
the language of algebraic geometry, by explicitly constructing their coordinate rings.
Many varieties of interest in representation theory arise as Coulomb branches.  

We will overview the definition of Coulomb branches, and discuss some examples.  We will
also describe their connection to representation theory, especially their expected role
in symplectic duality.  

There will be follow-up talks on February 20 and 22.