Higher Structures In Geometry And Physics

This book is centered around higher algebraic structures stemming from the work of Murray Gerstenhaber and Jim Stasheff that are now ubiquitous in various areas of mathematics— such as algebra, algebraic topology, differential geometry, algebraic geometry, mathematical physics— and in theoretical physics such as quantum field theory and string theory. These higher algebraic structures provide a common language essential in the study of deformation quantization, theory of algebroids and groupoids, symplectic field theory, and much more. Each contribution in this volume expands on the ideas of Gerstenhaber and Stasheff. The volume is intended for post-graduate students, mathematical and theoretical physicists, and mathematicians interested in higher structures.

"Geometry and Physics" addresses mathematicians wanting to understand modern physics, and physicists wanting to learn geometry. It gives an introduction to modern quantum field theory and related areas of theoretical high-energy physics from the perspective of Riemannian geometry, and an introduction to modern geometry as needed and utilized in modern physics. Jürgen Jost, a well-known research mathematician and advanced textbook author, also develops important geometric concepts and methods that can be used for the structures of physics. In particular, he discusses the Lagrangians of the standard model and its supersymmetric extensions from a geometric perspective.

VOLUME 26 of INTERDISCIPLINARY MATHEMATICS, series expounding mathematical methodology in Physics & Engineering. TOPICS: Differential & Riemannian Geometry; Theories of Vorticity Dynamics, Einstein-Hilbert Gravitation, Colobeau-Rosinger Generalized Function Algebra, Deformations & Quantum Mechanics of Particles & Fields. Ultimate goal is to develop mathematical framework for reconciling Quantum Mechanics & concept of Point Particle. New ideas for researchers & students. Order: Math Sci Press, 53 Jordan Road, Brookline, MA 02146. (617) 738-0307.

Branes are solitonic configurations of a string theory that are represented by extended objects in a higher-dimensional space-time. They are essential for a comprehension of the non-perturbative aspects of string theory, in particular, in connection with string dualities. From the mathematical viewpoint, branes are related to several important theo