$\mathrm{U}(1{)}^n$ Chern-Simons theory: partition function, reciprocity formula and Chern-Simons duality

Abstract

The $\mathrm{U}(1)$ Chern-Simons theory can be extended to a topological $\mathrm{U}(1{)}^n$ theory by taking a combination of Chern-Simons and BF actions, the mixing being achieved with the help of a collection of integer coupling constants. Based on the Deligne-Beilinson cohomology, a partition function can then be computed for such a $\mathrm{U}(1{)}^n$ Chern-Simons theory. This partition function is clearly a topological invariant of the closed oriented $3$-manifold on which the theory is defined. Then, by applying a reciprocity formula a new expression of this invariant is obtained which should be a Reshetikhin-Turaev invariant. Finally, a duality between $\mathrm{U}(1{)}^n$ Chern-Simons theories is demonstrated.

38 pages, 2 figures. Minor revisions: corrected typos, unabbreviated the title, rephrased some sentences, and added an example to better align with the published version