Quantizing Derived Mapping Stacks

Abstract: In this review we discuss several topological and geometric invariants obtained by quantizing $\sigma$-models. More precisely, we don't quantize the entire mapping stack of fields, but rather only the substack of low energy fields. The theory restricted to this substack can be presented Lie theoretically and the problem is reduced to perturbative gauge theory. Throughout, we make extensive use of derived symplectic geometry and the BV formalism of Costello and Gwilliam. Finally, we frame the AJ Conjecture in knot theory as a question of quantizing character stacks.