Quantum Gravity

3rd ed
ISBN: 978-0-19-958520-5
Verlag: Oxford University Press

Buch, Englisch, Band 155, 408 Seiten, Format (B × H): 179 mm x 251 mm, Gewicht: 840 g

Reihe: International Series of Monographs on Physics

The search for a quantum theory of the gravitational field is one of the great open problems in theoretical physics. This book presents a self-contained discussion of the concepts, methods and applications that can be expected in such a theory. The two main approaches to its construction -- the direct quantisation of Einstein's general theory of relativity and string theory -- are covered. Whereas the first attempts to construct a viable theory for the gravitational field alone, string theory assumes that a quantum theory of gravity will be achieved only through a unification of all the interactions. However, both employ the general method of quantization of constrained systems, which is described together with illustrative examples relevant for quantum gravity. There is a detailed presentation of the main approaches employed in quantum general relativity: path-integral quantization, the background-field method and canonical quantum gravity in the metric, connection and loop formulations. The discussion of string theory centres around its quantum-gravitational aspects and the comparison with quantum general relativity. Physical applications discussed at length include the quantization of black holes, quantum cosmology, the indications of a discrete structure of spacetime, and the origin of irreversibility.

This third edition contains new chapters or sections on quantum gravity phenomenology, Horava-Lifshitz quantum gravity, analogue gravity, the holographic principle, and affine quantum gravity. It will present updates on loop quantum cosmology, the LTB model, asymptotic safety, and various discrete approaches. The third edition also contains pedagogical extensions throughout the text.

This book will be of interest to researchers and students working in relativity and gravitation, cosmology, quantum field theory and related topics. It will also be of interest to mathematicians and philosophers of science.

Zielgruppe

Graduates and researchers working in theoretical physics, mathematics and philosophy of science.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Kiefer, Claus

Fachgebiete

• Naturwissenschaften Astronomie Kosmologie, Urknalltheorie
• Naturwissenschaften Physik Physik Allgemein Theoretische Physik, Mathematische Physik, Computerphysik
• Naturwissenschaften Physik Quantenphysik Relativität, Gravitation

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1: Why quantum gravity?
2: Covariant approaches to quantum gravity
3: Parametrized and relational systems
4: Hamiltonian formulation of general relativity
5: Quantum geometrodynamics
6: Quantum gravity with connections and loops
7: Quantization of black holes
8: Quantum cosmology
9: String theory
10: Phenomenology, decoherence, and the arrow of time

Über Autor(innen)

Kiefer, Claus
Claus Kiefer, Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of Cologne, Germany

Claus Kiefer has been a Professor at the Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of Cologne, Germany since 2001.

Claus Kiefer has been a Professor at the Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of Cologne, Germany since 2001.