Generalised Kinematics for Double Field Theory

We formulate a kinematical extension of Double Field Theory on a $2d$-dimensional para-Hermitian manifold $(\mathcal{P},\eta,\omega)$ where the $O(d,d)$ metric $\eta$ is supplemented by an almost symplectic two-form $\omega$. Together $\eta$ and $\omega$ define an almost bi-Lagrangian structure $K$ which provides a splitting of the tangent bundle $T\mathcal{P}=L\oplus\tilde{L}$ into two Lagrangian subspaces. In this paper a canonical connection and a corresponding generalised Lie derivative for the Leibniz algebroid on $T\mathcal{P}$ are constructed. We find integrability conditions under which the symmetry algebra closes for general $\eta$ and $\omega$, even if they are not flat and constant. This formalism thus provides a generalisation of the kinematical structure of Double Field Theory. We also show that this formalism allows one to reconcile and unify Double Field Theory with Generalised Geometry which is thoroughly discussed.Comment: 41 pages, v2: typos corrected, references added, published versio

Barrett-Crane model from a Boulatov-Ooguri field theory over a homogeneous space

Boulatov and Ooguri have generalized the matrix models of 2d quantum gravity to 3d and 4d, in the form of field theories over group manifolds. We show that the Barrett-Crane quantum gravity model arises naturally from a theory of this type, but restricted to the homogeneous space S^3=SO(4)/SO(3), as a term in its Feynman expansion. From such a perspective, 4d quantum spacetime emerges as a Feynman graph, in the manner of the 2d matrix models. This formalism provides a precise meaning to the ``sum over triangulations'', which is presumably necessary for a physical interpretation of a spin foam model as a theory of gravity. In addition, this formalism leads us to introduce a natural alternative model, which might have relevance for quantum gravity.Comment: 16 Pages (RevTeX), 4 eps figures. Minor revisions in the definition of the mode

The 1/N expansion of colored tensor models

In this paper we perform the 1/N expansion of the colored three dimensional Boulatov tensor model. As in matrix models, we obtain a systematic topological expansion, with more and more complicated topologies suppressed by higher and higher powers of N. We compute the first orders of the expansion and prove that only graphs corresponding to three spheres S^3 contribute to the leading order in the large N limit.Comment: typos corrected, references update

Ponzano-Regge model revisited I: Gauge fixing, observables and interacting spinning particles

We show how to properly gauge fix all the symmetries of the Ponzano-Regge model for 3D quantum gravity. This amounts to do explicit finite computations for transition amplitudes. We give the construction of the transition amplitudes in the presence of interacting quantum spinning particles. We introduce a notion of operators whose expectation value gives rise to either gauge fixing, introduction of time, or insertion of particles, according to the choice. We give the link between the spin foam quantization and the hamiltonian quantization. We finally show the link between Ponzano-Regge model and the quantization of Chern-Simons theory based on the double quantum group of SU(2)Comment: 48 pages, 15 figure

Colored Group Field Theory

Group field theories are higher dimensional generalizations of matrix models. Their Feynman graphs are fat and in addition to vertices, edges and faces, they also contain higher dimensional cells, called bubbles. In this paper, we propose a new, fermionic Group Field Theory, posessing a color symmetry, and take the first steps in a systematic study of the topological properties of its graphs. Unlike its bosonic counterpart, the bubbles of the Feynman graphs of this theory are well defined and readily identified. We prove that this graphs are combinatorial cellular complexes. We define and study the cellular homology of this graphs. Furthermore we define a homotopy transformation appropriate to this graphs. Finally, the amplitude of the Feynman graphs is shown to be related to the fundamental group of the cellular complex

Permutation combinatorics of worldsheet moduli space

52 pages, 21 figures52 pages, 21 figures; minor corrections, "On the" dropped from title, matches published version52 pages, 21 figures; minor corrections, "On the" dropped from title, matches published versio

Scalar-Tensor theories from Λ(ϕ)\Lambda(\phi) Plebanski gravity

We study a modification of the Plebanski action, which generically corresponds to a bi-metric theory of gravity, and identify a subclass which is equivalent to the Bergmann-Wagoner-Nordtvedt class of scalar-tensor theories. In this manner, scalar-tensor theories are displayed as constrained BF theories. We find that in this subclass, there is no need to impose reality of the Urbantke metrics, as also the theory with real bivectors is a scalar-tensor theory with a real Lorentzian metric. Furthermore, while under the former reality conditions instabilities can arise from a wrong sign of the scalar mode kinetic term, we show that such problems do not appear if the bivectors are required to be real. Finally, we discuss how matter can be coupled to these theories. The phenomenology of scalar field dark matter arises naturally within this framework.Comment: 21 page