Forest Groups - From Thompson's Group to Conformal Field Theory

Watch a research seminar exploring the fascinating connection between conformal field theories and Thompson's group through the lens of "forest groups" - a new family of groups constructed from planar diagrams. Learn how French mathematician Arnaud Brothier builds upon Vaughan Jones' groundbreaking work linking subfactors to conformal field theory, presenting a novel approach using these specially-designed groups that maintain key aspects of Thompson's group while aiming to strengthen the connection to subfactors. Discover explicit examples and applications in group theory as Brothier explains how these forest groups enable powerful skein theoretical descriptions through Jones' technology. Gain insights into this innovative mathematical research program that produces groups with unique properties, presented in an accessible way requiring no prior knowledge of subfactors, conformal field theory, or group theory.