2 research outputs found
Chirality of tensor perturbations for complex values of the Immirzi parameter
In this paper we generalise previous work on tensor perturbations in a de
Sitter background in terms of Ashtekar variables to cover all complex values of
the Immirzi parameter gamma (previous work was restricted to imaginary gamma).
Particular attention is paid to the case of real gamma. Following the same
approach as in the imaginary case, we can obtain physical graviton states by
invoking reality and torsion free conditions. The Hamiltonian in terms of
graviton states has the same form whether gamma has a real part or not; however
changes occur for the vacuum energy and fluctuations. Specifically, we observe
a gamma dependent chiral asymmetry in the vacuum fluctuations only if gamma has
an imaginary part. Ordering prescriptions also change this asymmetry. We thus
present a measurable result for CMB polarisation experiments that could shed
light on the workings of quantum gravity.Comment: 6 pages, 1 figur
Loop Quantum Cosmology: A Status Report
The goal of this article is to provide an overview of the current state of
the art in loop quantum cosmology for three sets of audiences: young
researchers interested in entering this area; the quantum gravity community in
general; and, cosmologists who wish to apply loop quantum cosmology to probe
modifications in the standard paradigm of the early universe. An effort has
been made to streamline the material so that, as described at the end of
section I, each of these communities can read only the sections they are most
interested in, without a loss of continuity.Comment: 138 pages, 15 figures. Invited Topical Review, To appear in Classical
and Quantum Gravity. Typos corrected, clarifications and references adde