Professor Vaughan Jones
University of
California,
Berkeley
Monday,
April 12, 2004
4:00p.m., Physics Bldg., Room 202
Knots and polynomials
Abstract: We will describe certain invariants of knots in three dimensional space and give an impressionistic view of how they relate to physics, algebra and analysis. The notion of subfactor will be introduced.
**There will be a banquet honoring Professor Jones after this first lecture. To register for the banquet, print and mail registration form, call (706)542-2038 or e-mail Julie McEver.
Tuesday,
April 13, 2004
4:00p.m., Boyd Graduate Studies, Room 328
The analytic and algebraic flavours of subfactors
Abstract: Subfactors are algebras of operators on Hilbert space, so their properties rely on results from analysis. On the other hand they have field-like properties that make it desirable to treat them like Galois theory. The analysis and the algebra go hand in hand.
Wednesday,
April 14, 2004
4:00p.m., Boyd Graduate Studies, Room 328
Subfactors and Physics
Abstract: The state space of the quantum world is defined by a Hilbert space. Observables are operators on that Hilbert space. Thus it is not surprising that subfactors occur in quantum physics. We will present a few instances of this, including a speculative use of the Connes tensor product for combining two quantum systems.
*Refreshments will be served at 3:30p.m., preceding each lecture.