 K-matrix

The K-matrix is the symmetric integer matrix multiplying the coupled Abelian gauge fields in an Abelian Chern--Simons theory. For invertible $K$, the anyon lattice of an Abelian Chern--Simons theory isAdding $Kn$ to a charge vector changes it by a local particle. Its full braiding with any integer charge $q^{\prime }$ changes by $2\pi n^T{q}^{\prime }$, leaving the phase unchanged.

For example, $K=(2)$ has two classes, represented by $q=0,1$. Encircling two copies of class $1$ gives $\exp (2\pi i/2)=-1$; fusing them gives class $0$. This illustrates how an integer coupling produces fractional anyon statistics.

An integer unimodular matrix $W$ changes the basis asBecause $W^{-1}$ is also integral, it maps charge classes bijectively and preserves $q^T{K}^{-1}\tilde{q}$. It changes the coordinates of the theory rather than its braiding data. If electromagnetic coupling is specified by a charge vector $t$, that vector must be transformed consistently as $t^{\prime }=Wt$. ^[ref]