Tree Algebras: An algebraic axiomatization of intertwining vertex operators

We describe a completely algebraic axiom system for intertwining operators of vertex algebra modules, using algebraic flat connections, thus formulating the concept of a {\em tree algebra}. Using the Riemann-Hilbert correspondence, we further prove that a vertex tensor category in the sense of Huang and Lepowsky gives rise to a tree algebra over $\C$. We also show that the chiral WZW model of a simply connected simple compact Lie group gives rise to a tree algebra over $\Q$.