Exact Factorizations and Bicrossed Product of Fusion Categories

This conference talk by Julia Plavnik from Indiana University explores exact factorizations and bicrossed product of fusion categories as part of the Generalized Symmetries: High-Energy, Condensed Matter and Mathematics KITP conference held at the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics at UC Santa Barbara. Delve into the advanced mathematical concepts that have contributed to significant progress in quantum field theory over the past decade, particularly how symmetries can be interpreted through topological defects acting on operator spaces. The presentation connects to broader themes of the conference, which brought together experts exploring generalized symmetries and their applications in condensed matter, high energy physics, and quantum gravity. Learn about cutting-edge research that bridges mathematics and theoretical physics in this 37-minute talk that was part of a collaborative effort coordinated by Maissam Barkeshli, Michele Del Zotto, Sakura Schafer-Nameki, and Shu-Heng Shao.