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

Carlip, Steven

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521564085 ISBN 13: 9780521564083

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1998

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.

About this title

Review

'For both experts and non-experts, this is an eminently readable and useful book.' Renate Loll, General Relativity and Gravitation

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.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521564085
• ISBN 13: 9780521564083
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 290