Squared Hopf algebras and reconstruction theorems

Given an abelian k-linear rigid monoidal category V, where k is a perfect field, we define squared coalgebras as objects of cocompleted V tensor V (Deligne's tensor product of categories) equipped with the appropriate notion of comultiplication. Based on this, (squared) bialgebras and Hopf algebras are defined without use of braiding. If V is the category of k-vector spaces, squared (co)algebras coincide with conventional ones. If V is braided, a braided Hopf algebra can be obtained from a squared one. Reconstruction theorems give equivalence of squared co- (bi-, Hopf) algebras in V and corresponding fibre functors to V (which is not the case with other definitions). Finally, squared quasitriangular Hopf coalgebra is a solution to the problem of defining quantum groups in braided categories.Comment: Latex2e, 31 pages, to appear in the Proceedings of Banach Center Minisemester on Quantum Groups, November 199

Non-semisimple topological quantum field theories for 3-manifolds with corners

This book presents the (to date) most general approach to combinatorial constructions of topological quantum field theories (TQFTs) in three dimensions. The authors describe extended TQFTs as double functors between two naturally defined double categories: one of topological nature, made of 3-manifolds with corners, the other of algebraic nature, made of linear categories, functors, vector spaces and maps. Atiyah's conventional notion of TQFTs as well as the notion of modular functor from axiomatic conformal field theory are unified in this concept. A large class of such extended modular catergory is constructed, assigning a double functor to every abelian modular category, which does not have to be semisimple