The topological nature of the theory implies that it is associated with an integer level, and has been used to explain the exactness of the fractional quantum Hall effect.
Recently the low-energy theory on a stack of M2 branes has been shown to be a doubled parity-invariant version of it. The Jones polynomial for a knot in a 3-manifold is given by a path integral in this theory of the holonomy of a connection around the knot, as shown by Edward Witten. The topological nature of the theory implies that it is associated with an integer level, and has been used to explain the exactness of the fractional quantum Hall effect. One of its namesakes is a Chinese differential geometer also known for a type of characteristic class for complex vector bundles. Its action is the integral of a three form and its equation of motion says the field strength is zero. For 10 points, what is this theory also named for an American mathematician who founded Renaissance Technologies?
Recently the low-energy theory on a stack of M2 branes has been shown to be a doubled parity-invariant version of it.
Chern-Simons theory