Tensor Categories arising from the Virasoro Algebra

Abstract

We show that there is a braided tensor category structure on the category of $C_1$-cofinite modules for the (universal or simple) Virasoro vertex operator algebras of arbitrary central charge. In the generic case of central charge $c=13-6(t+t^{-1})$, with $t\notin \mathbb{Q}$, we prove semisimplicity, rigidity and non-degeneracy and also compute the fusion rules of this tensor category.

32 pages. Minor corrections and references added. To appear in Advances in Mathematics