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Gauge Symmetries in Spin-Foam Gravity: The Case for "Cellular Quantization".
- Source :
-
Physical Review Letters . 6/15/2012, Vol. 108 Issue 24, p1-5. 5p. - Publication Year :
- 2012
-
Abstract
- The spin-foam approach to quantum gravity rests on a quantization of BF theory using 2-complexes and group representations. We explain why, in dimension three and higher, this spin-foam quantization must be amended to be made consistent with the gauge symmetries of discrete BF theory. We discuss a suitable generalization, called "cellular quantization," which (1) is finite, (2) produces a topological invariant, (3) matches with the properties of the continuum BF theory, and (4) corresponds to its loop quantization. These results significantly clarify the foundations--and limitations--of the spin-foam formalism and open the path to understanding, in a discrete setting, the symmetry-breaking which reduces BF theory to gravity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 00319007
- Volume :
- 108
- Issue :
- 24
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Physical Review Letters
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 77853572
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.108.241303