Cohomological vertex algebras

Abstract: We introduce a family of algebraic structures as a higher-dimensional generalization of vertex algebras, which we term cohomological vertex algebras. The formal punctured 1-disk underlying a vertex algebra is replaced by a ring modeling the cohomology of certain schemes such as the formal punctured $n$-disk and the formal 1-disk with doubled origin. The latter scheme leads to the raviolo vertex algebras of Garner & Williams. We prove several structural theorems for cohomological vertex algebras, as well as examine an appropriate Witt-like algebra and its central extensions, giving a definition of a cohomological vertex operator algebra. Using a reconstruction theorem for cohomological vertex algebras, we provide basic examples analogous to their vertex algebra counterparts.