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MTC[M3,G]: 3d Topological Order Labeled by Seifert Manifolds

by Federico Bonetti, Sakura Schäfer-Nameki, Jingxiang Wu

Submission summary

Authors (as registered SciPost users): Federico Bonetti
Submission information
Preprint Link: scipost_202511_00072v1  (pdf)
Date submitted: Nov. 27, 2025, 12:20 p.m.
Submitted by: Federico Bonetti
Submitted to: SciPost Physics
Ontological classification
Academic field: Physics
Specialties:
  • High-Energy Physics - Theory
  • Mathematical Physics
Approach: Theoretical

Abstract

We propose a correspondence between topological order in 2+1d and Seifert three-manifolds together with a choice of ADE gauge group $G$. Topological order in 2+1d is known to be characterized in terms of modular tensor categories (MTCs), and we thus propose a relation between MTCs and Seifert three-manifolds. The correspondence defines for every Seifert manifold and choice of $G$ a fusion category, which we conjecture to be modular whenever the Seifert manifold has trivial first homology group with coefficients in the center of $G$. The construction determines the spins of anyons and their S-matrix, and provides a constructive way to determine the R- and F-symbols from simple building blocks. We explore the possibility that this correspondence provides an alternative classification of MTCs, which is put to the test by realizing all MTCs (unitary or non-unitary) with rank $r\leq 5$ in terms of Seifert manifolds and a choice of Lie group $G$.

Author indications on fulfilling journal expectations

  • Provide a novel and synergetic link between different research areas.
  • Open a new pathway in an existing or a new research direction, with clear potential for multi-pronged follow-up work
  • Detail a groundbreaking theoretical/experimental/computational discovery
  • Present a breakthrough on a previously-identified and long-standing research stumbling block
Current status:
In refereeing

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