Vertex operator algebra (VOA)

A Vertex Operator Algebra (VOA) is a mathematical structure that captures the symmetries and behaviors of certain quantum systems, especially in string theory and conformal field theory. It organizes how "quantum states" (like vibrations of strings) transform and interact, using operators that encode these interactions. Think of it as a sophisticated language that describes how complex particles or fields combine, split, and evolve, all governed by precise algebraic rules. VOAs unify ideas from algebra, geometry, and physics, providing a framework to study symmetries and structures underlying fundamental theories of the universe.