Understanding the Boundary of a Spinfoam and Spin Network in LQG Theory

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In summary, the conversation discusses the definition of the boundary of a spinfoam and a spin network in the context of loop quantum gravity. The book "Covariant Loop Quantum Gravity: An Elementary Introduction to Quantum Gravity and Spinfoam Theory" is recommended as a resource to understand the classical discretization of general relativity and the connection between bulk and boundary. The draft version of the book also discusses the notion of boundary and provides a spin network basis for the boundary Hilbert space. There is also a mention of a problem with the link to the draft version of the book, but it is eventually resolved.
  • #1
naima
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I read in wikipedia that the boundary of a spinfoam is a spin network.
Is it true?
How can we define what is the boundary of a finite connected spinfoam?
I have the same question for a spin network.
As in LQG boundaries are of paramount importance, I think that we have to define them.
Thanks
 
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  • #2
You could look at the book "Covariant Loop Quantum Gravity: An Elementary Introduction to Quantum Gravity and Spinfoam Theory" There is a chapter on classical discretization of GR. You may want to look particularly at section 4.4 where they start with the simple case of 3-spatial dimensions and define the connection between bulk and boundary and establish notation. At the start of chapter 7 they talk about the generalization to 4D spacetime.

A draft version of the book is quoted as here http://www.cpt.univ-mrs.fr/~rovelli/IntroductionLQG.pdf
 
  • #3
http://arxiv.org/abs/1209.4539
Holonomy Spin Foam Models: Boundary Hilbert spaces and Time Evolution Operators
Bianca Dittrich, Frank Hellmann, Wojciech Kaminski

The notion of a boundary is defined in section 3.1, and the spin network basis for the boundary Hilbert space is given in section 3.2.
 
  • #5
As i understand it in a spin network a boundary is a minimal set of edges. a bondary js between two vertices
if there is no path between them which can avoid these edges. Is this correct?
 
  • #6
naima said:
there
is a problem with the link
Try again, I think it is OK now.
It takes a couple of minutes to download the complete draft of the book (illustrations etc.) so it is not fast, but it does work.
 

1. What is a spinfoam in LQG theory?

A spinfoam is a mathematical construct used in Loop Quantum Gravity (LQG) theory to describe the quantum states of space and time. It is a collection of quantized geometric variables, such as area and volume, which represent the fundamental building blocks of space and time.

2. What is a spin network in LQG theory?

A spin network is a graph-like structure used in LQG theory to represent the quantum states of space and time. It is made up of nodes, which represent discrete points in space, and edges, which represent the connections between these points. The edges are labeled with quantum numbers, known as spins, which determine the geometry of the space at each point.

3. How do spinfoams and spin networks relate to each other in LQG theory?

In LQG theory, spinfoams and spin networks are two complementary descriptions of the same underlying quantum states of space and time. Spinfoams provide a way to describe the dynamics of the quantum system, while spin networks represent the static configuration of the system. Together, they provide a complete picture of the quantum geometry of space and time.

4. What is the significance of understanding the boundary of a spinfoam and spin network in LQG theory?

The boundary of a spinfoam and spin network in LQG theory is important because it allows us to make connections between the quantum states of space and time and the classical geometry that we observe in our everyday lives. It also helps us understand the behavior of the quantum system and make predictions about its properties.

5. How is the boundary of a spinfoam and spin network calculated in LQG theory?

The boundary of a spinfoam and spin network is calculated using mathematical techniques such as spin foam models and spin network evaluations. These methods involve assigning quantum numbers to the nodes and edges of the spin network and then applying mathematical operations to determine the boundary properties of the system. The exact calculations may vary depending on the specific model being used.

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