The kernel of the modular representation and the Galois action in RCFT

Abstract

It is shown that for the modular representations associated to Rational Conformal Field Theories, the kernel is a congruence subgroup whose level equals the order of the Dehn-twist. An explicit algebraic characterization of the kernel is given. It is also shown that the conductor, i.e. the order of the Dehn-twist is bounded by a function of the number of primary fields, allowing for a systematic enumeration of the modular representations coming from RCFTs. Restrictions on the spectrum of the Dehn-twist and arithmetic properties of modular matrix elements are presented.