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Soliton Equations, Frobenius Manifolds and Feynman Graphs

Takashi Kimura
Boston University

April 27, 2000
102 Bradley Hall, 4 pm
Tea 3:30 pm, Math Lounge

Abstract: A Frobenius algebra is a commutative, associative algebra with a compatible inner product. There is a natural multilinear generalization called a Frobenius manifold. Examples arise in the study of soliton equations, enumerative geometry, and the topology of spaces of complex surfaces. We will explain what Frobenius manifolds are and how they can be understood in terms of graphs satisfying certain relations arising from topology. These graphs bear a striking resemblance to Feynman graphs from quantum field theory.

This talk will be accessible to undergraduates.