Algebraic & Geometric Topology 4 (2004) 407–437

DOI: 10.2140/agt.2004.4.407

arXiv: math.AT/0201116

Abstract

For smooth finite dimensional manifolds, we characterise gerbes with connection as functors on a certain surface cobordism category. This allows us to relate gerbes with connection to Turaev's (1+1)–dimensional homotopy quantum field theories, and we show that flat gerbes are related to a specific class of rank one homotopy quantum field theories.

Keywords

gerbe, differential character, homotopy quantum field theory

Mathematical Subject Classification

Primary: 55P48

Secondary: 57R56, 81T70

References

Forward citations

Publication

Received: 8 June 2004
Accepted: 10 June 2004
Published: 24 June 2004

Authors