Quantization of Singular Symplectic Quotients

This is the first exposition of the quantization theory of singular symplectic (i.e., Marsden-Weinstein) quotients and their applications to physics in book form. A preface by J. Marsden and A. Weinstein precedes individual refereed contributions by M.T. Benameur and V. Nistor, M. Braverman, A. Cattaneo and G. Felder, B. Fedosov, J. Huebschmann, N.P. Landsman, R. Lauter and V. Nistor, M. Pflaum, M. Schlichenmaier, V. Schomerus, B. Schroers, and A. Sengupta. This book is intended for mathematicians and mathematical physicists working in quantization theory, algebraic, symplectic, and Poisson geometry, the analysis and geometry of stratified spaces, pseudodifferential operators, low-dimensional topology, operator algebras, noncommutative geometry, or Lie groupoids, and for theoretical physicists interested in quantum gravity and topological quantum field theory. The subject matter provides a remarkable area of interaction between all these fields, highlighted in the example of the moduli space of flat connections, which is discussed in detail. The reader will acquire an introduction to the various techniques used in this area, as well as an overview of the latest research approaches. These involve classical differential and algebraic geometry, as well as operator algebras and noncommutative geometry. Thus one will be amply prepared to follow future developments in this fascinating and expanding field, or enter it oneself. It is to be expected that the quantization of singular spaces will become a key theme in 21st century (concommutative) geometry.