By considering non-trivial global deformations of the Witt (and the Virasoro) algebra given by geometric constructions it is shown that, despite their infinitesimal and formal rigidity, they are globally not rigid. This shows the need of a clear indication of the type of deformations considered. The families appearing are constructed as families of algebras of Krichever-Novikov type. They show up in a natural way in the global operator approach to the quantization of two-dimensional conformal field theory. In addition, a proof of the infinitesimal and formal rigidity of the Witt algebra is presented.
We show how the recently again discussed $N$-point Witt, Virasoro, and affine Lie algebras are genus zero examples of the multi-point versions of Krichever--Novikov type algebras as introduced and studied by Schlichenmaier. Using this more general point of view, useful structural insights and an easier access to calculations can be obtained. The concept of almost-grading will yield information about triangular decompositions which are of importance in the theory of representations. As examples the algebra of functions, vector fields, differential operators, current algebras, affine Lie algebra…
We give a notation of Krichever-Novikov vertex algebras on compact Riemann surfaces which is a bit weaker, but quite similar to vertex algebras. As example, we construct Krichever-Novikov vertex algebras of generalized Heisenberg algebras on arbitrary compact Riemann surfaces, which are reduced to be Heisenberg vertex algebra when restricted on Riemann spheres.
