Operator algebras and vertex operator algebras

Abstract

In two-dimensional conformal field theory (CFT) the building blocks are given by chiral CFTs, i.e.~CFTs on the unit circle (compactified light-ray). They are generated by quantum fields depending on one light-ray coordinate only. There are two mathematical formulations of chiral CFT, the one based on vertex operator algebras (VOAs) and the one based on conformal nets. We describe some recent results which, for first time, gives a general construction of conformal nets from (unitary) VOAs.