Anyons from Small to Large Scales

In nature, most particles fall into two categories based on their exchange statistics: bosons, with symmetric wave functions, and fermions, with antisymmetric ones. However, quantum mechanics also allows for more exotic particles, known as anyons, whose exchange statistics lie between these two extremes. Initially considered only a mathematical possibility, the physical existence of anyons was predicted in the 1980s in the context of the quantum Hall effect and has since been strongly supported by recent experiments. Nevertheless, a precise understanding of anyons remains a challenge for both physicists and mathematicians, as it involves the topological braiding and knotting of particle trajectories in space and time, often leading to nonlinear and nonlocal effective models. 

This conference focuses on the mathematical theory of anyons, aiming to foster collaboration and dialogue among researchers approaching the subject from different perspectives. The workshop will concentrate on three areas where the mathematical theory of anyons is being actively developed: quantum lattice systems, topological quantum field theory (TQFT), and statistical mechanics. 

Recorded seminars: