Quantum field theory on a cosmological, quantum space-time

Journal Article · Sun Mar 15 04:00:00 EDT 2009 · Physical Review. D, Particles Fields

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVD.79.064030· OSTI ID:21260166

Ashtekar, Abhay ^[1]; Kaminski, Wojciech; Lewandowski, Jerzy ^[1]

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1. Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos and Physics Department, Penn State, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802 (United States)

In loop quantum cosmology, Friedmann-LeMaitre-Robertson-Walker space-times arise as well-defined approximations to specific quantum geometries. We initiate the development of a quantum theory of test scalar fields on these quantum geometries. Emphasis is on the new conceptual ingredients required in the transition from classical space-time backgrounds to quantum space-times. These include a ''relational time''a la Leibniz, the emergence of the Hamiltonian operator of the test field from the quantum constraint equation, and ramifications of the quantum fluctuations of the background geometry on the resulting dynamics. The familiar quantum field theory on classical Friedmann-LeMaitre-Robertson-Walker models arises as a well-defined reduction of this more fundamental theory.

• OSTI ID: 21260166
• Journal Information: Physical Review. D, Particles Fields, Journal Name: Physical Review. D, Particles Fields Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 79; ISSN PRVDAQ; ISSN 0556-2821
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS
APPROXIMATIONS
COSMOLOGY
EQUATIONS
FLUCTUATIONS
HAMILTONIANS
QUANTUM FIELD THEORY
SCALAR FIELDS
SPACE-TIME