Formal Global AKSZ Gauge Observables and Generalized Wilson Surfaces

Abstract

We consider a construction of observables by using methods of supersymmetric field theories. In particular, we give an extension of AKSZ-type observables using the Batalin-Vilkovisky structure of AKSZ theories to a formal global version with methods of formal geometry. We will consider the case where the AKSZ theory is "split" which will give an explicit construction for formal vector fields on base and fiber within the formal global action. Moreover, we consider the example of formal global generalized Wilson surface observables whose expectation values are invariants of higher-dimensional knots by using $BF$ field theory. These constructions give rise to interesting global gauge conditions such as the differential Quantum Master Equation and further extensions.