Lectures on AKSZ Sigma Models for Physicists

Abstract: This is an introductory review of topological field theories (TFTs) called AKSZ sigma models. The AKSZ construction is a mathematical formulation for the construction and analyses of a large class of TFTs, inspired by the Batalin-Vilkovisky formalism of gauge theories. We begin by considering a simple two-dimensional topological field theory and explain the ideas of the AKSZ sigma models. This construction is then generalized and leads to a mathematical formulation of a general topological sigma model. We review the mathematical objects, such as algebroids and supergeometry, that are used in the analysis of general gauge structures. The quantization of the Poisson sigma model is presented as an example of a quantization of an AKSZ sigma model.