Lectures in Topological Quantum Field Theory
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In these lectures we present a general introduction to topological quantum field theories. These theories are discussed in the framework of the Mathai-Quillen formalism and in the context of twisted N=2 supersymmetric theories. We discuss in detail the recent developments in Donaldson-Witten theory obtained from the application of results based on duality for N=2 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theories. This involves a description of the computation of Donaldson invariants in terms of Seiberg-Witten invariants. Generalizations of Donaldson-Witten theory are reviewed, and the structure of the vacuum expectation values of their observables is analyzed in the context of duality for the simplest case.
62 pages, latex, epsf, 5 figures, Lectures given by J.M.F.L. at the CERN-La Plata-Santiago de Compostela Workshop on Trends in Theoretical Physics held at La Plata in May 1997
62 pages, latex, epsf, 5 figures, Lectures given by J.M.F.L. at the CERN-La Plata-Santiago de Compostela Workshop on Trends in Theoretical Physics held at La Plata in May 1997