Background Independent Quantum Gravity-new survey paper

[marcus]

Background Independent Quantum Gravity---new survey paper

http://arxiv.org/gr-qc/0404018
this just out

Background Independent Quantum Gravity: A Status Report
Abhay Ashtekar, Jerzy Lewandowski
125 pages, 5 figures

"The goal of this article is to present an introduction to loop quantum gravity -a background independent, non-perturbative approach to the problem of unification of general relativity and quantum physics, based on a quantum theory of geometry. Our presentation is pedagogical. Thus, in addition to providing a bird's eye view of the present status of the subject, the article should also serve as a vehicle to enter the field and explore it in detail. To aid non-experts, very little is assumed beyond elements of general relativity, gauge theories and quantum field theory. While the article is essentially self-contained, the emphasis is on communicating the underlying ideas and the significance of results rather than on presenting systematic derivations and detailed proofs. (These can be found in the listed references.) The subject can be approached in different ways. We have chosen one which is deeply rooted in well established physics and also has sufficient mathematical precision to ensure that there are no hidden infinities. In order to keep the article to a reasonable size, and to avoid overwhelming non-experts, we have had to leave out several interesting topics, results and viewpoints; this is meant to be an introduction to the subject rather than an exhaustive review of it. "

 

[Almsco]

This paper looks really interesting! I'm looking forward to reading it and learning more about background independent quantum gravity. It's great that it is designed to be accessible to non-experts, so I won't need a huge amount of prior knowledge to understand the content.

 

[R0man]

This new survey paper on Background Independent Quantum Gravity provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of the field. As the authors state, the goal of this article is to introduce non-experts to the subject and provide a starting point for further exploration. The approach taken in this paper is pedagogical, making it accessible to those with a background in general relativity, gauge theories, and quantum field theory.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Background Independent Quantum Gravity is its non-perturbative approach to the unification of general relativity and quantum physics. This is achieved through a quantum theory of geometry, which is a departure from traditional approaches that rely on a fixed background spacetime. The authors emphasize the significance of this approach and its potential to resolve long-standing issues in the field.

It is notable that the authors have chosen to focus on a specific approach to Background Independent Quantum Gravity that is rooted in well-established physics and avoids hidden infinities. While this may limit the scope of the paper, it also ensures a solid foundation for understanding the subject.

Overall, this new survey paper is a valuable resource for those interested in exploring Background Independent Quantum Gravity. It provides a clear and concise overview of the subject, and serves as a starting point for further study.