4 research outputs found

    Quantum Spin Dynamics (QSD) II

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    We continue here the analysis of the previous paper of the Wheeler-DeWitt constraint operator for four-dimensional, Lorentzian, non-perturbative, canonical vacuum quantum gravity in the continuum. In this paper we derive the complete kernel, as well as a physical inner product on it, for a non-symmetric version of the Wheeler-DeWitt operator. We then define a symmetric version of the Wheeler-DeWitt operator. For the Euclidean Wheeler-DeWitt operator as well as for the generator of the Wick transform from the Euclidean to the Lorentzian regime we prove existence of self-adjoint extensions and based on these we present a method of proof of self-adjoint extensions for the Lorentzian operator. Finally we comment on the status of the Wick rotation transform in the light of the present results.Comment: 27 pages, Latex, preceded by a companion paper before this on

    QSD IV : 2+1 Euclidean Quantum Gravity as a model to test 3+1 Lorentzian Quantum Gravity

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    The quantization of Lorentzian or Euclidean 2+1 gravity by canonical methods is a well-studied problem. However, the constraints of 2+1 gravity are those of a topological field theory and therefore resemble very little those of the corresponding Lorentzian 3+1 constraints. In this paper we canonically quantize Euclidean 2+1 gravity for arbitrary genus of the spacelike hypersurface with new, classically equivalent constraints that maximally probe the Lorentzian 3+1 situation. We choose the signature to be Euclidean because this implies that the gauge group is, as in the 3+1 case, SU(2) rather than SU(1,1). We employ, and carry out to full completion, the new quantization method introduced in preceding papers of this series which resulted in a finite 3+1 Lorentzian quantum field theory for gravity. The space of solutions to all constraints turns out to be much larger than the one as obtained by traditional approaches, however, it is fully included. Thus, by suitable restriction of the solution space, we can recover all former results which gives confidence in the new quantization methods. The meaning of the remaining "spurious solutions" is discussed.Comment: 35p, LATE

    QSD VI : Quantum Poincar\'e Algebra and a Quantum Positivity of Energy Theorem for Canonical Quantum Gravity

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    We quantize the generators of the little subgroup of the asymptotic Poincar\'e group of Lorentzian four-dimensional canonical quantum gravity in the continuum. In particular, the resulting ADM energy operator is densely defined on an appropriate Hilbert space, symmetric and essentially self-adjoint. Moreover, we prove a quantum analogue of the classical positivity of energy theorem due to Schoen and Yau. The proof uses a certain technical restriction on the space of states at spatial infinity which is suggested to us given the asymptotically flat structure available. The theorem demonstrates that several of the speculations regarding the stability of the theory, recently spelled out by Smolin, are false once a quantum version of the pre-assumptions underlying the classical positivity of energy theorem is imposed in the quantum theory as well. The quantum symmetry algebra corresponding to the generators of the little group faithfully represents the classical algebra.Comment: 24p, LATE
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