Weak braiding for algebras in braided monoidal categories

TL;DR

This paper introduces the concept of weak-braided monoidal categories, exploring their relation to crossed G-braided structures and modules over commutative algebras in braided monoidal categories, with implications for quantum field theories.

Contribution

It defines weak-braided monoidal categories and establishes their connection to crossed G-braided categories and module categories, extending the understanding of categorical symmetries in braided contexts.

Findings

Weak-braided monoidal categories are formally defined.

Braided G-crossed categories are examples of weak-braided categories.

Twisting the braiding by functors yields weak-braided categories with group actions.

Abstract

Under appropriate conditions, if one picks a commutative algebra A with action of group G in braided monoidal category C, the category of A modules in C obtains a natural crossed G-braided structure. In the case of general commutative algebra object A in braided monoidal category C, one might ask what weakened notion of braiding one obtains on the category of A modules in C, and the relation that this braiding has to categorical symmetries acting on the associated quantum field theories, and on the algebra A itself. In the following article, we present a definition of weak-braided monoidal category. It is proven that braided G-crossed categories, and categories of modules over commutative algebra objects in braided monoidal categories are weak-braided monoidal categories. Conversely, it is proven that, under reasonable assumptions, if a weak-braided category D is given by twisting the braiding by a collection of `twisting functors', then D is crossed-braided by a group.