Conformal Blocks on Smoothings via Mode Transition Algebras

Abstract Here we introduce a series of associative algebras attached to a vertex operator algebra V of CFT type, called mode transition algebras, and show they reflect both algebraic properties of V and geometric constructions on moduli of curves. Pointed and coordinatized curves, labeled by admissible V -modules, give rise to sheaves of coinvariants. We show that if the mode transition algebras admit multiplicative identities satisfying certain natural properties (called strong identity elements), these sheaves deform as wanted on families of curves with nodes. This provides new contexts in which coherent sheaves of coinvariants form vector bundles. We also show that mode transition algebras carry information about higher level Zhu algebras and generalized Verma modules. To illustrate, we explicitly describe the higher level Zhu algebras of the Heisenberg vertex operator algebra, proving a conjecture of Addabbo–Barron.