Representation Theory of Twisted Group Double

Abstract

This text collects useful results concerning the quasi-Hopf algebra $\D $. We give a review of issues related to its use in conformal theories and physical mathematics. Existence of such algebras based on 3-cocycles with values in $ {R} / {Z} $ which mimic for finite groups Chern-Simons terms of gauge theories, open wide perspectives in the so called "classification program". The modularisation theorem proved for quasi-Hopf algebras by two authors some years ago makes the computation of topological invariants possible. An updated, although partial, bibliography of recent developments is provided.