Equivariant Crossed Modules and Cohomology of Groups with Operators

In this paper we study equivariant crossed modules in its link with strict graded categorical groups. The resulting Schreier theory for equivariant group extensions of the type of an equivariant crossed module generalizes both the theory of group extensions of the type of a crossed module and the one of equivariant group extensions.Comment: 20 pag

Categorical aspects of bivariant K-theory

This survey article on bivariant Kasparov theory and E-theory is mainly intended for readers with a background in homotopical algebra and category theory. We approach both bivariant K-theories via their universal properties and equip them with extra structure such as a tensor product and a triangulated category structure. We discuss the construction of the Baum-Connes assembly map via localisation of categories and explain how this is related to the purely topological construction by Davis and Lueck

Spontaneous symmetry breaking from anyon condensation

In a physical system undergoing a continuous quantum phase transition, spontaneous symmetry breaking occurs when certain symmetries of the Hamiltonian fail to be preserved in the ground state. In the traditional Landau theory, a symmetry group can break down to any subgroup. However, this no longer holds across a continuous phase transition driven by anyon condensation in symmetry enriched topological orders (SETOs). For a SETO described by a $G$-crossed braided extension $\mathcal{C}\subseteq \mathcal{C}^{\times}_{G}$, we show that physical considerations require that a connected \'etale algebra $A\in \mathcal{C}$ admit a $G$-equivariant algebra structure for symmetry to be preserved under condensation of $A$. Given any categorical action $\underline{G}\rightarrow \underline{\sf Aut}_{\otimes}^{\sf br}(\mathcal{C})$ such that $g(A)\cong A$ for all $g\in G$, we show there is a short exact sequence whose splittings correspond to $G$-equivariant algebra structures. The non-splitting of this sequence forces spontaneous symmetry breaking under condensation of $A$. Furthermore, we show that if symmetry is preserved, there is a canonically associated SETO of $\mathcal{C}^{\operatorname{loc}}_{A}$, and gauging this symmetry commutes with anyon condensation.Comment: 35 pages, comments welcome. To appear in Journal of High Energy Physic