The complete LQG propagator: II. Asymptotic behavior of the vertex

In a previous article we have show that there are difficulties in obtaining the correct graviton propagator from the loop-quantum-gravity dynamics defined by the Barrett-Crane vertex amplitude. Here we show that a vertex amplitude that depends nontrivially on the intertwiners can yield the correct propagator. We give an explicit example of asymptotic behavior of a vertex amplitude that gives the correct full graviton propagator in the large distance limit.Comment: 16 page

On the relation between the connection and the loop representation of quantum gravity

Using Penrose binor calculus for $SU(2)$ ($SL(2,C)$) tensor expressions, a graphical method for the connection representation of Euclidean Quantum Gravity (real connection) is constructed. It is explicitly shown that: {\it (i)} the recently proposed scalar product in the loop-representation coincide with the Ashtekar-Lewandoski cylindrical measure in the space of connections; {\it (ii)} it is possible to establish a correspondence between the operators in the connection representation and those in the loop representation. The construction is based on embedded spin network, the Penrose graphical method of $SU(2)$ calculus, and the existence of a generalized measure on the space of connections modulo gauge transformations.Comment: 19 pages, ioplppt.sty and epsfig.st

Matrix Elements of Thiemann's Hamiltonian Constraint in Loop Quantum Gravity

We present an explicit computation of matrix elements of the hamiltonian constraint operator in non-perturbative quantum gravity. In particular, we consider the euclidean term of Thiemann's version of the constraint and compute its action on trivalent states, for all its natural orderings. The calculation is performed using graphical techniques from the recoupling theory of colored knots and links. We exhibit the matrix elements of the hamiltonian constraint operator in the spin network basis in compact algebraic form.Comment: 32 pages, 22 eps figures. LaTeX (Using epsfig.sty,ioplppt.sty and bezier.sty). Submited to Classical and Quantum Gravit

Loop Quantum Gravity

The problem of finding the quantum theory of the gravitational field, and thus understanding what is quantum spacetime, is still open. One of the most active of the current approaches is loop quantum gravity. Loop quantum gravity is a mathematically well-defined, non-perturbative and background independent quantization of general relativity, with its conventional matter couplings. The research in loop quantum gravity forms today a vast area, ranging from mathematical foundations to physical applications. Among the most significative results obtained are: (i) The computation of the physical spectra of geometrical quantities such as area and volume; which yields quantitative predictions on Planck-scale physics. (ii) A derivation of the Bekenstein-Hawking black hole entropy formula. (iii) An intriguing physical picture of the microstructure of quantum physical space, characterized by a polymer-like Planck scale discreteness. This discreteness emerges naturally from the quantum theory and provides a mathematically well-defined realization of Wheeler's intuition of a spacetime ``foam''. Long standing open problems within the approach (lack of a scalar product, overcompleteness of the loop basis, implementation of reality conditions) have been fully solved. The weak part of the approach is the treatment of the dynamics: at present there exist several proposals, which are intensely debated. Here, I provide a general overview of ideas, techniques, results and open problems of this candidate theory of quantum gravity, and a guide to the relevant literature.Comment: Review paper written for the electronic journal `Living Reviews'. 34 page