2,908 research outputs found
(Broken) Gauge Symmetries and Constraints in Regge Calculus
We will examine the issue of diffeomorphism symmetry in simplicial models of
(quantum) gravity, in particular for Regge calculus. We find that for a
solution with curvature there do not exist exact gauge symmetries on the
discrete level. Furthermore we derive a canonical formulation that exactly
matches the dynamics and hence symmetries of the covariant picture. In this
canonical formulation broken symmetries lead to the replacements of constraints
by so--called pseudo constraints. These considerations should be taken into
account in attempts to connect spin foam models, based on the Regge action,
with canonical loop quantum gravity, which aims at implementing proper
constraints. We will argue that the long standing problem of finding a
consistent constraint algebra for discretized gravity theories is equivalent to
the problem of finding an action with exact diffeomorphism symmetries. Finally
we will analyze different limits in which the pseudo constraints might turn
into proper constraints. This could be helpful to infer alternative
discretization schemes in which the symmetries are not broken.Comment: 32 pages, 15 figure
Improved and Perfect Actions in Discrete Gravity
We consider the notion of improved and perfect actions within Regge calculus.
These actions are constructed in such a way that they - although being defined
on a triangulation - reproduce the continuum dynamics exactly, and therefore
capture the gauge symmetries of General Relativity. We construct the perfect
action in three dimensions with cosmological constant, and in four dimensions
for one simplex. We conclude with a discussion about Regge Calculus with curved
simplices, which arises naturally in this context.Comment: 28 pages, 2 figure
Nonclassical phase-space trajectories for the damped harmonic quantum oscillator
The phase-space path-integral approach to the damped harmonic oscillator is
analyzed beyond the Markovian approximation. It is found that pairs of
nonclassical trajectories contribute to the path-integral representation of the
Wigner propagating function. Due to the linearity of the problem, the sum
coordinate of a pair still satisfies the classical equation of motion.
Furthermore, it is shown that the broadening of the Wigner propagating function
of the damped oscillator arises due to the time-nonlocal interaction mediated
by the heat bath.Comment: 8 pages, 3 figures, accepted for publication in Chemical Physic
Ericson fluctuations in an open, deterministic quantum system: theory meets experiment
We provide numerically exact photoexcitation cross sections of rubidium
Rydberg states in crossed, static electric and magnetic fields, in quantitative
agreement with recent experimental results. Their spectral backbone underpins a
clear transition towards the Ericson regime.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures, 1 tabl
Uni-directional transport properties of a serpent billiard
We present a dynamical analysis of a classical billiard chain -- a channel
with parallel semi-circular walls, which can serve as a model for a bended
optical fiber. An interesting feature of this model is the fact that the phase
space separates into two disjoint invariant components corresponding to the
left and right uni-directional motions. Dynamics is decomposed into the jump
map -- a Poincare map between the two ends of a basic cell, and the time
function -- traveling time across a basic cell of a point on a surface of
section. The jump map has a mixed phase space where the relative sizes of the
regular and chaotic components depend on the width of the channel. For a
suitable value of this parameter we can have almost fully chaotic phase space.
We have studied numerically the Lyapunov exponents, time auto-correlation
functions and diffusion of particles along the chain. As a result of a
singularity of the time function we obtain marginally-normal diffusion after we
subtract the average drift. The last result is also supported by some
analytical arguments.Comment: 15 pages, 9 figure (19 .(e)ps files
From the discrete to the continuous - towards a cylindrically consistent dynamics
Discrete models usually represent approximations to continuum physics.
Cylindrical consistency provides a framework in which discretizations mirror
exactly the continuum limit. Being a standard tool for the kinematics of loop
quantum gravity we propose a coarse graining procedure that aims at
constructing a cylindrically consistent dynamics in the form of transition
amplitudes and Hamilton's principal functions. The coarse graining procedure,
which is motivated by tensor network renormalization methods, provides a
systematic approximation scheme towards this end. A crucial role in this coarse
graining scheme is played by embedding maps that allow the interpretation of
discrete boundary data as continuum configurations. These embedding maps should
be selected according to the dynamics of the system, as a choice of embedding
maps will determine a truncation of the renormalization flow.Comment: 22 page
Gauge invariant perturbations around symmetry reduced sectors of general relativity: applications to cosmology
We develop a gauge invariant canonical perturbation scheme for perturbations
around symmetry reduced sectors in generally covariant theories, such as
general relativity. The central objects of investigation are gauge invariant
observables which encode the dynamics of the system. We apply this scheme to
perturbations around a homogeneous and isotropic sector (cosmology) of general
relativity. The background variables of this homogeneous and isotropic sector
are treated fully dynamically which allows us to approximate the observables to
arbitrary high order in a self--consistent and fully gauge invariant manner.
Methods to compute these observables are given. The question of backreaction
effects of inhomogeneities onto a homogeneous and isotropic background can be
addressed in this framework. We illustrate the latter by considering
homogeneous but anisotropic Bianchi--I cosmologies as perturbations around a
homogeneous and isotropic sector.Comment: 39 pages, 1 figur
Classical GR as a topological theory with linear constraints
We investigate a formulation of continuum 4d gravity in terms of a
constrained topological (BF) theory, in the spirit of the Plebanski
formulation, but involving only linear constraints, of the type used recently
in the spin foam approach to quantum gravity. We identify both the continuum
version of the linear simplicity constraints used in the quantum discrete
context and a linear version of the quadratic volume constraints that are
necessary to complete the reduction from the topological theory to gravity. We
illustrate and discuss also the discrete counterpart of the same continuum
linear constraints. Moreover, we show under which additional conditions the
discrete volume constraints follow from the simplicity constraints, thus
playing the role of secondary constraints. Our analysis clarifies how the
discrete constructions of spin foam models are related to a continuum theory
with an action principle that is equivalent to general relativity.Comment: 4 pages, based on a talk given at the Spanish Relativity Meeting 2010
(ERE2010, Granada, Spain
Classical GR as a topological theory with linear constraints
We investigate a formulation of continuum 4d gravity in terms of a
constrained topological (BF) theory, in the spirit of the Plebanski
formulation, but involving only linear constraints, of the type used recently
in the spin foam approach to quantum gravity. We identify both the continuum
version of the linear simplicity constraints used in the quantum discrete
context and a linear version of the quadratic volume constraints that are
necessary to complete the reduction from the topological theory to gravity. We
illustrate and discuss also the discrete counterpart of the same continuum
linear constraints. Moreover, we show under which additional conditions the
discrete volume constraints follow from the simplicity constraints, thus
playing the role of secondary constraints. Our analysis clarifies how the
discrete constructions of spin foam models are related to a continuum theory
with an action principle that is equivalent to general relativity.Comment: 4 pages, based on a talk given at the Spanish Relativity Meeting 2010
(ERE2010, Granada, Spain
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