Quantum gravity is among the most fascinating problems in physics. It modifies our understanding of time, space and matter. The recent development of the loop approach has allowed us to explore domains ranging from black hole thermodynamics to the early Universe. This book provides readers with a simple introduction to loop quantum gravity, centred on its covariant approach. It focuses on the physical and conceptual aspects of the problem and includes the background material needed to enter this lively domain of research, making it ideal for researchers and graduate students. Topics covered include quanta of space; classical and quantum physics without time; tetrad formalism; Holst action; lattice QCD; Regge calculus; ADM and Ashtekar variables; Ponzano-Regge and Turaev-Viro amplitudes; kinematics and dynamics of 4D Lorentzian quantum gravity; spectrum of area and volume; coherent states; classical limit; matter couplings; graviton propagator; spinfoam cosmology and black hole thermodynamics.
Sprache
Verlagsort
Zielgruppe
Produkt-Hinweis
Illustrationen
Worked examples or Exercises; 47 Halftones, unspecified; 47 Halftones, black and white; 49 Line drawings, black and white
Maße
Höhe: 246 mm
Breite: 189 mm
Dicke: 15 mm
Gewicht
ISBN-13
978-1-108-81025-8 (9781108810258)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Klassifikation
Carlo Rovelli is Professor of Physics at Universite d'Aix-Marseille, where he directs the gravity research group. He is one of the founders of loop quantum gravity theory. Francesca Vidotto works at Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen and initiated the spinfoam approach to cosmology.
Autor*in
Universite d'Aix-Marseille
Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen
Preface; Part I. Foundations: 1. Spacetime as a quantum object; 2. Physics without time; 3. Gravity; 4. Classical discretization; Part II. The 3D Theory: 5. 3D Euclidean theory; 6. Bubbles and cosmological constant; Part III. The Real World: 7. The real world: 4D Lorentzian theory; 8. Classical limit; 9. Matter; Part IV. Physical Applications: 10. Black holes; 11. Cosmology; 12. Scattering; 13. Final remarks; References; Index.
