Quantum Riemann Surfaces in Chern-Simons Theory
We construct from first principles the operators $\hat A_M$ that annihilate the partition functions (or wavefunctions) of three-dimensional Chern-Simons theory with gauge groups $SU(2)$, $SL(2,\mathbb{R})$, or $SL(2,\mathbb{C})$ on knot complements $M$. The operator $\hat A_M$ is a quantization of a knot complement's classical $A$-polynomial $A_M(\ell,m)$. The construction proceeds by decomposing three-manifolds into ideal tetrahedra, and invoking a new, more global understanding of gluing in topological quantum field theory to put them back together. We advocate in particular that, properly interpreted, 'gluing $=$ symplectic reduction.' We also arrive at a new finite-dimensional state integral model for computing the analytically continued 'holomorphic blocks' that compose any physical Chern-Simons partition function.