We relate two classical dualities in low-dimensional quantum field theory:
Kramers–Wannier duality of the Ising and related lattice models in
dimensions, with
electromagnetic duality for finite gauge theories in
dimensions.
The relation is mediated by the notion of
boundary field theory: Ising models are
boundary theories for pure gauge theory in one dimension higher. Thus the Ising
order/disorder operators are endpoints of
Wilson/’tHooft defects of gauge theory.
Symmetry breaking on low-energy states reflects the multiplicity of topological
boundary states. In the process we describe lattice theories as (extended)
topological field theories with boundaries and domain walls. This allows us
to generalize the duality to nonabelian groups; to finite, semisimple Hopf
algebras; and, in a different direction, to finite homotopy theories in arbitrary
dimension.
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