Andy Netizke 3.2, BPS states and spectral networks (IAS | PCMI)
Channel: IAS | Park City Mathematics Institute | PCMI
Date: 18/07/2019

Andy Netizke, University of Texas
“BPS states” appear very frequently in mathematical applications of quantum field
theory. The aim of this lecture is to explain rather generally what a BPS state is and some
of their standard properties. In one sentence: we’ll study a representation H = H0  H1
of a super Lie algebra A = A0  A1, and the BPS states are the ones annihilated by some
elements of A1.
This 4-lecture course is being presented at the 29th annual PCMI Summer Session taking place July 30–July 19 2019, at the Prospector Conference Center in Park City, Utah. The residential, three-week Summer Session is the flagship activity of the IAS | Park City Mathematics Institute (PCMI), an outreach program of the Institute for Advanced Study. The 2019 research theme is Quantum Field Theory and Manifold Invariants.

The PCMI Summer Session is an intensive program that includes several parallel sets of activities aimed at different groups of participants across the entire mathematics community. These activities include a program for mathematics researchers, eight mini-courses for graduate students on topics related to Quantum Field Theory and Manifold Invariants, two lecture series for undergraduate students, a program for faculty from predominantly undergraduate institutions, a workshop on equity and mathematics education for undergraduate faculty, and a professional development program for K–12 school teachers. All of PCMI’s groups meet simultaneously, pursuing individual courses of study and a meaningful amount of interaction both scientifically and socially.

For more information, visit https://pcmi.ias.edu