Quantum gravitation
Subtitle: the Feynman path integral approach
By: Herbert W. Hamber.
Publisher: Springer
Published: 2009
Place of publication: Berlin
Language: eng
Number of pages: 342
ISBN-13: 9783540852926
Subjects: Quantum gravity; Feynman integrals
Description: The book covers the theory of Quantum Gravitation from the point of view of Feynman path integrals. These provide a manifestly covariant approach in which fundamental quantum aspects of the theory such as radiative corrections and the renormalization group can be systematically and consistently addressed. The path integral method is suitable for both perturbative as well as non-perturbative studies, and is known to already provide a framework of choice for the theoretical investigation of non-abelian gauge theories, the basis for three of the four known fundamental forces in nature. The book thus provides a coherent outline of the present status of the theory gravity based on Feynman’s formulation, with an emphasis on quantitative results. Topics are organized in such a way that the correspondence to similar methods and results in modern gauge theories becomes apparent. Covariant perturbation theory are developed using the full machinery of Feynman rules, gauge fixing, background methods and ghosts. The renormalization group for gravity and the existence of non-trivial ultraviolet fixed points are investigated, stressing a close correspondence with well understood statistical field theory models. Later the lattice formulation of gravity is presented as an essential tool towards an understanding of key features of the non-perturbative vacuum. The book ends with a discussion of contemporary issues in quantum cosmology such as scale dependent gravitational constants and quantum effects in the early universe.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 325-333) and index.
Table of contents: title: Continuum formulation; title: Feynman path integral formulation; title: Gravity in 2+E dimensions; title: Hamiltonian and Wheeler-DeWitt equation; title: Semiclassical gravity; title: Lattice regularized quantum gravity; title: Analytical lattice expansion methods; title: Numerical studies; title: Scale dependent gravitational couplings.