# Is the rigid structure needed for describing anyons?

+ 1 like - 0 dislike
51 views

To describe anyons, it is said that category theory is useful. In my understanding, a category suitable for describing anyons is a modular tensor category, which has a rigid structure. Physically, the rigid structure means that there exists a conjugate type of anyons a* for each type a, which yields a trivial charge when a and a* are fused.

However, I wonder why there should be a conjugate type for each type. What is the physical reasoning or observation for this requirement?

asked Jul 21, 2020

 Please use answers only to (at least partly) answer questions. To comment, discuss, or ask for clarification, leave a comment instead. To mask links under text, please type your text, highlight it, and click the "link" button. You can then enter your link URL. Please consult the FAQ for as to how to format your post. This is the answer box; if you want to write a comment instead, please use the 'add comment' button. Live preview (may slow down editor)   Preview Your name to display (optional): Email me at this address if my answer is selected or commented on: Privacy: Your email address will only be used for sending these notifications. Anti-spam verification: If you are a human please identify the position of the character covered by the symbol $\varnothing$ in the following word:$\varnothing\hbar$ysicsOverflowThen drag the red bullet below over the corresponding character of our banner. When you drop it there, the bullet changes to green (on slow internet connections after a few seconds). To avoid this verification in future, please log in or register.