Unifying Lattice Models, Links and Quantum Geometric Langlands via Branes in String Theory

TL;DR

This paper establishes a unified physical framework using branes in string theory to connect lattice models, link invariants, quantum geometric Langlands, and algebraic structures, bridging multiple mathematical fields.

Contribution

It introduces a novel string theory-based approach that unifies diverse mathematical theories related to integrable systems, topology, and quantum algebras.

Findings

Relates lattice models to quantum geometric Langlands via branes.

Connects link invariants in Chern-Simons theory to algebraic structures.

Provides a physical derivation of the Gaitsgory-Lurie conjecture.

Abstract

We explain how, starting with a stack of D4-branes ending on an NS5-brane in type IIA string theory, one can, via T-duality and the topological-holomorphic nature of the relevant worldvolume theories, relate (i) the lattice models realized by Costello's 4d Chern-Simons theory, (ii) links in 3d analytically-continued Chern-Simons theory, (iii) the quantum geometric Langlands correspondence realized by Kapustin-Witten using 4d N = 4 gauge theory and its quantum group modification, and (iv) the Gaitsgory-Lurie conjecture relating quantum groups/affine Kac-Moody algebras to Whittaker D-modules/W-algebras. This furnishes, purely physically via branes in string theory, a novel bridge between the mathematics of integrable systems, geometric topology, geometric representation theory, and quantum algebras.