Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This work introduces a surface observable for nonabelian four-dimensional BF theory with a cosmological term. The surface observable yields new 2-knot invariants that may extend beyond known examples such as the Alexander invariant. By BV pushforward, the surface observable induces an electric observable in nonabelian Yang–Mills theory, offering a concrete realization of ’t Hooft operators. An application to self-dual Yang–Mills theory is also discussed.
Author: Alberto S. Cattaneo
Institution: University of Zurich
Language: English
Subfield: Geometry and Topology
Field: Mathematics
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,990
Funders: Simons Foundation, Institute of Science and Technology Austria, National Centres of Competence in Research SwissMAP, European Cooperation in Science and Technology, Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung, Universität Zürich, H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
Awards: G1003282795, G9000383998, G9000384207
OpenAlex ID: W4416659283
FWCI:
Cites:
Cited by:
Related to: