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On holomorphic factorization of WZW and coset models

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Abstract

It is shown how coupling to gauge fields can be used to explain the basic facts concerning holomorphic factorization of the WZW model of two dimensional conformal field theory, which previously have been understood primarily by using conformal field theory Ward identities. We also consider in a similar vein the holomorphic factorization ofG/H coset models. We discuss theG/G model as a topological field theory and comment on a conjecture by Spiegelglas.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Natural Sciences, Institute for Advanced Study, Olden Lane, 08540, Princeton, NJ, USA

    Edward Witten

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  1. Edward Witten
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Communicated by A. Jaffe

Research supported in part by NSF Grant PHY86-20266

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Witten, E. On holomorphic factorization of WZW and coset models. Commun.Math. Phys. 144, 189–212 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02099196

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