Cahit Arf Lecture 2012 by David E. Nadler

Arf Lectures 2012

David E. Nadler

Northwestern University,
University of California, Berkeley

Traces and loops

Date: November 08, 2012
at 15:40
Place:

Cahit Arf Auditorium
Department of Mathematics
Middle East Technical University
Ankara, Turkey

Supported by

Abstract

This talk will focus on the interplay between two basic notions originating in algebra and topology. In algebra, there is the trace of a matrix, important for its equality with the sum of the eigenvalues of the matrix. In topology, there are the loops on a space, which play a central role in the computation of homotopy groups and in the structure theory of spaces. There is a well-developed understanding of the intimate relation between traces and loops coming from non-commutative geometry and mathematical physics. We will explain how modern formulations elucidate fundamental identities in geometry and representation theory.