Problem of reconciling general relativity with quantum theory

Journal Article · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1985 · Hadronic J.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5545869

Rayski, J

The problems of correspondence between Newton's theory and special as well as general relativity are discussed. Possibilities of reconciling quantum theory with general relativity and cosmology are discussed. Quantization of the gravitational field necessitates a ''canonical deformation'' followed by a limited procedure restoring the general covariance of field equations after (but not before) quantization. To one single classical theory of gravity there may correspond several inequivalent quantum formalisms. One has either to select the proper one, or admit many of them with the excuse that they mean different partitions of physical reality into an object of measurement and an apparatus. The problem of such a partition is especially difficult in the case of a ''quantum state of the whole universe'' and seems to lead to a nonlinear quantum theory.

• Research Organization: Institute of Physics, Jagellonian University, Krakow, Poland
• OSTI ID: 5545869
• Journal Information: Hadronic J.; (United States), Journal Name: Hadronic J.; (United States) Vol. 8:1; ISSN HAJOD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

657003* -- Theoretical & Mathematical Physics-- Relativity & Gravitation
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
CANONICAL TRANSFORMATIONS
COSMOLOGY
EINSTEIN FIELD EQUATIONS
ENERGY-MOMENTUM TENSOR
EQUATIONS
FIELD EQUATIONS
FIELD THEORIES
FUNCTIONS
GENERAL RELATIVITY THEORY
GRAVITATIONAL FIELDS
LAGRANGIAN FUNCTION
QUANTIZATION
QUANTUM FIELD THEORY
QUANTUM GRAVITY
TENSORS
TRANSFORMATIONS