Wedge-local quantum field theory

In the construction of relativistic quantum field theories, field operators which are not point-localized, but rather localized in wedge-shaped regions of dimensional Minkowski space, are a novel tool. In two dimensions, such fields have led to the solution of the inverse scattering problem for factorizing S-matrices, i.e. the construction of integrable models with prescribed scattering operators. Recently, covariant families of wedge-local fields have also been established in higher dimensions. Although the connection between such objects and the S-matrix is less direct in higher dimensions, wedge-local quantum fields still provide a useful tool for the characterization of local observables and local interactions. In this talk, a survey of the underlying ideas, results and perspectives of this approach is given