Three dimensional field theories from infinite dimensional lie algebras

Abstract

A procedure for constructing topological actions from centrally extended Lie groups is introduced. For a \km\ group, this produces \3al \cs, while for the \vir\ group the result is a new \3al \tft\ whose physical states satisfy the \vir\ \wi. This \tft\ is shown to be a first order formulation of two dimensional induced gravity in the chiral gauge. The extension to $W_3$-gravity is discussed.

11 pages, USC-92/018