Poisson Vertex Algebras and Three-Dimensional Gauge Theory

Abstract

We introduce a mixed holomorphic-topological gauge theory in three dimensions associated to a (freely generated) Poisson vertex algebra. The $\lambda$-bracket of the PVA plays the role of the structure constants of the gauge algebra and the gauge invariance of the theory holds if and only if the $\lambda$-bracket Jacobi identity is satisfied. We show that the holomorphic-topological symmetry of the theory enhances to full topological symmetry if the Poisson vertex algebra contains a Virasoro element. We outline examples associated to PVAs of $\mathcal{W}$-type and demonstrate their connections to various versions of $3d$ gravity. We expect the three-dimensional Poisson sigma model to play an important role in the deformation quantization of Poisson vertex algebras.