Affine Lie Algebras and Quantum Groups

This book describes the theory of semi simple and affine Lie algebras, and of quantum groups. Various applications of these theories to two-dimensional conformal field theories are presented. In particular, the link between affine Lie algebras and quantum groups arising in this context is described.

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This is an introduction to the theory of affine Lie algebras, to the theory of quantum groups, and to the interrelationships between these two fields that are encountered in conformal field theory. The description of affine algebras covers the classification problem, the connection with loop algebras, and representation theory including modular properties. The necessary background from the theory of semisimple Lie algebras is also provided. The discussion of quantum groups concentrates on deformed enveloping algebras and their representation theory, but other aspects such as R-matrices and matrix quantum groups are also dealt with. This book will be of interest to researchers and graduate students in theoretical physics and applied mathematics.