Multi-plaquette solutions for discretized Ashtekar gravity

A discretized version of canonical quantum gravity proposed by Loll is investigated. After slightly modifying Loll's discretized Hamiltonian constraint, we encode its action on the spin network states in terms of combinatorial topological manipulations of the lattice loops. Using this topological formulation we find new solutions to the discretized Wheeler-Dewitt equation. These solutions have their support on the connected set of plaquettes. We also show that these solutions are not normalizable with respect to the induced heat-kernel measure on $SL(2,{\bf C})$ gauge theories.Comment: 11 pages Latex (2 figures available as a postscript file, the rough discussion on the non-normalizability has been made exact.

Transition Amplitude in 2+1 dimensional Chern-Simons Gravity on a Torus

The discussions on the modular invariance in section 5 are refined.Comment: 21 pages, Late

Ashtekar's formulation for N=1,2N=1,2 supergravities as "constrained" BF theories

It is known that Ashtekar's formulation for pure Einstein gravity can be cast into the form of a topological field theory, namely the $SU(2)$ BF theory, with the B-fields subject to an algebraic constraint. We extend this relation between Ashtekar's formalism and BF theories to $N=1$ and $N=2$ supergravities. The relevant gauge groups in these cases become graded Lie groups of $SU(2)$ which are generated by left-handed local Lorentz transformations and left-supersymmetry transformations. As a corollary of these relations, we provide topological solutions for $N=2$ supergravity with a vanishing cosmological constant. It is also shown that, due to the algebraic constraints, the Kalb-Ramond symmetry which is characteristic of BF theories breaks down to the symmetry under diffeomorphisms and right-supersymmetry transformations.Comment: 26 pages Latex (references added

Matrix Model for Dirichlet Open String

We discuss the open string ending on D $p$-branes in IKKT framework. First we determine the boundary conditions of Green-Schwarz superstring which are consistent with supersymmetry and $\kappa$-symmetry. We point out some subtleties arising from taking the Schild gauge and show that in this gauge the system incorporates the limited dimensional D $p$-branes ($p=3,7$). The matrix regularization for the Dirichlet open string is given by gauge group SO(N). When $p=3$, the matrix model becomes the dimensional reduction of a 6 dimensional ${\cal N}=1$ super Yang-Mills theory.Comment: 9 pages, LaTe

Addendum to "Classical and Quantum Evolutions of the de Sitter and the anti-de Sitter Universes in 2+1 dimensions"

The previous discussion \cite{ezawa} on reducing the phase space of the first order Einstein gravity in 2+1 dimensions is reconsidered. We construct a \lq\lq correct" physical phase space in the case of positive cosmological constant, taking into account the geometrical feature of SO(3,1) connections. A parametrization which unifies the two sectors of the physical phase space is also given.Comment: Latex 8 pages (Crucial and essential changes have been made.

BPS Configuration of Supermembrane With Winding in M-direction

We study de Wit-Hoppe-Nicolai supermembrane with emphasis on the winding in M-direction. We propose a SUSY algebra of the supermembrane in the Lorentz invariant form. We analyze the BPS conditions and argue that the area preserving diffeomorphism constraints associated with the harmonic vector fields play an essential role. We derive the first order partial differential equation that describes the BPS state with one quarter SUSY.Comment: 10 pages latex, references adde

Combinatorial solutions to the Hamiltonian constraint in (2+1)-dimensional Ashtekar gravity

Dirac's quantization of the (2+1)-dimensional analog of Ashtekar's approach to quantum gravity is investigated. After providing a diffeomorphism-invariant regularization of the Hamiltonian constraint, we find a set of solutions to this Hamiltonian constraint which is a generalization of the solution discovered by Jacobson and Smolin. These solutions are given by particular linear combinations of the spin network states. While the classical counterparts of these solutions have degenerate metric, due to a \lq quantum effect' the area operator has nonvanishing action on these states. We also discuss how to extend our results to (3+1)-dimensions.Comment: 41 pages Latex (2 figures available as a postscript file