Chern–Simons theory, Vassiliev invariants, loop quantum gravity and functional integration without integration
Year: 2015
Type: article
Abstract: This paper is an exposition of the relationship between Witten’s Chern–Simons functional integral and the theory of Vassiliev invariants of knots and links in three-dimensional space. We conceptualize the functional integral in terms of equivalence classes of functionals of gauge fields and we do not use measure theory. This approach makes it possible to discuss the mathematics intrinsic to the functional integral rigorously and without functional integration. Applications to loop quantum gravity are discussed.
Author: Louis H. Kauffman
Institution: University of Illinois Chicago
Language: English
Subfield: Geometry and Topology
Field: Mathematics
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2190333545