Quantum Gravity in 2+1 Dimensions (Cambridge Monographs on Mathematical Physics)

Steven Carlip

ISBN 10: 0521545889 / ISBN 13: 9780521545884

Published by Cambridge University Press 2010-11-18, 2010

About this Item

Seller Inventory # 6666-IUK-9780521545884

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Quantum Gravity in 2+1 Dimensions (Cambridge Monographs on Mathematical Physics)
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press 2010-11-18
• Publication Date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521545889
• ISBN 13: 9780521545884
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

This timely volume provides a broad survey of (2+1)-dimensional quantum gravity. It emphasises the 'quantum cosmology' of closed universes and the quantum mechanics of the (2+1)-dimensional black hole. It compares and contrasts a variety of approaches, and examines what they imply for a realistic theory of quantum gravity. General relativity in three spacetime dimensions has become a popular arena in which to explore the ramifications of quantum gravity. As a diffeomorphism-invariant theory of spacetime structure, this model shares many of the conceptual problems of realistic quantum gravity. But it is also simple enough that many programs of quantization can be carried out explicitly. After analysing the space of classical solutions, this book introduces some fifteen approaches to quantum gravity - from canonical quantization in York's 'extrinsic time' to Chern-Simons quantization, from the loop representation to covariant path integration to lattice methods. Relationships among quantizations are explored, as well as implications for such issues as topology change and the 'problem of time'. This book is an invaluable resource for all graduate students and researchers working in quantum gravity.

Book Description

The first comprehensive survey of (2+1)-dimensional quantum gravity. It presents some fifteen different approaches, comparing the resulting theories and suggesting implications for the ultimate goal of a (3+1)-dimensional theory uniting general relativity and quantum mechanics. An invaluable resource for all graduate students and researchers working in quantum gravity.