Quantum Gravitation: The Feynman Path Integral Approach

ISBN-13: 9783540852926 / Angielski / Twarda / 2008 / 364 str.

Herbert W. Hamber

Opis

"Quantum Gravitation" approaches the subject from the point of view of Feynman path integrals, which provide a manifestly covariant approach in which fundamental quantum aspects of the theory such as radiative corrections and the renormalization group can be systematically and consistently addressed. It is shown that the path integral method is suitable for both perturbative as well as non-perturbative studies, and is already known to offer a framework for the theoretical investigation of non-Abelian gauge theories, the basis for three of the four known fundamental forces in nature. The book thus provides a coherent outline of the present status of the theory gravity based on Feynman s formulation, with an emphasis on quantitative results. Topics are organized in such a way that the correspondence to similar methods and results in modern gauge theories becomes apparent. Covariant perturbation theory are developed using the full machinery of Feynman rules, gauge fixing, background methods and ghosts. The renormalization group for gravity and the existence of non-trivial ultraviolet fixed points are investigated, stressing a close correspondence with well understood statistical field theory models. The final chapter addresses contemporary issues in quantum cosmology such as scale dependent gravitational constants and quantum effects in the early universe."

Recenzje

From the reviews:

"The book of Hamber covers key aspects and open issues related to a consistent regularized formulation of quantum gravity with the aid of the covariant Feynman path integral quantization. ... The book is oriented on the physicists interested in quantum gravity. It will be useful both for the first acquaintance with the specific features of the Feynman path integrals in gravity and for those who are already working with such integrals ... ." (Michael B. Mensky, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1171, 2009)

"This work covers all the important aspects of the subject and points the reader in the direction of open problems in the field of quantum theory of gravity. ... The book is very well written ... . This book will be a great reference tool for researchers working in the field of quantum gravity as well as for graduate students, with basic knowledge of classical gravitational theory and quantum field theory, who wish to learn about quantum gravity and lattice methods." (Guglielmo Fucci, Mathematical Reviews, Issue 2011 e)

Spis treści

Continuum Formulation.- Feynman Path Integral Formulation.- Gravity in 2+? Dimensions.- Hamiltonian and Wheeler-DeWitt Equation.- Semiclassical Gravity.- Lattice Regularized Quantum Gravity.- Analytical Lattice Expansion Methods.- Numerical Studies.- Scale Dependent Gravitational Couplings.  

Blurb

The book covers the theory of Quantum Gravitation from the point of view of Feynman path integrals. These provide a manifestly covariant approach in which fundamental quantum aspects of the theory such as radiative corrections and the renormalization group can be systematically and consistently addressed. The path integral method is suitable for both perturbative as well as non-perturbative studies, and is known to already provide a framework of choice for the theoretical investigation of non-abelian gauge theories, the basis for three of the four known fundamental forces in nature. The book thus provides a coherent outline of the present status of the theory gravity based on Feynman’s formulation, with an emphasis on quantitative results.

Topics are organized in such a way that the correspondence to similar methods and results in modern gauge theories becomes apparent. Covariant perturbation theory are developed using the full machinery of Feynman rules, gauge fixing, background methods and ghosts. The renormalization group for gravity and the existence of non-trivial ultraviolet fixed points are investigated, stressing a close correspondence with well understood statistical field theory models.

Later the lattice formulation of gravity is presented as an essential tool towards an understanding of key features of the non-perturbative vacuum. The book ends with a discussion of contemporary issues in quantum cosmology such as scale dependent gravitational constants and quantum effects in the early universe.