16
$\begingroup$

Axiomatic quantum field theory (e.g. the wightman formalism and constructive quantum field theory) is an important subject. When I look into textbooks and papers, I mostly find that the basic constructions involve functional analysis and operator algebra. Now, modern developments in the field of quantum field theory involve subjects such as algebraic geometry, topology, and knots. Mostly modern developments deal with supersymmetric quantum field theory.

My question is: What is the status of current research on the mathematical foundations of the dynamics of "non topological" quantum field theory? Are the older approaches to the subjects, such as the ones in Glimm and Jaffe's and Wightman's books, obsolete?

| cite | improve this question | |
$\endgroup$
  • 7
    $\begingroup$ Paging @Urs Schreiber... $\endgroup$ – David Roberts May 20 at 5:26
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ The answer to the second question "Are the older approaches to the subjects, such as the ones in Glimm and Jaffe's and Wightman's books, obsolete?" is: No. $\endgroup$ – Abdelmalek Abdesselam May 20 at 13:58
9
$\begingroup$

The Axiomatic Quantum Field Theory from the 1950's has been rebranded as Algebraic QFT (keeping the same abbreviation), and the emphasis has shifted somewhat from quantum fields to local observables. The Wightman axioms for fields are then replaced by the Haag–Kastler axioms for the algebra of observables. For two relatively recent overviews see Current trends in axiomatic quantum field theory (1998) and Algebraic quantum field theory (2006). A concise summary is at nLab. An alternative approach to AQFT is FQFT (Functorial QFT), which focuses on states rather than observables.

| cite | improve this answer | |
$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.