A First Course in Loop Quantum Gravity

Gambini, Rodolfo/ Pullin, Jorge

Oxford University Press（2011/09発売）

• 製本 Hardcover:ハードカバー版／ページ数 192 p.
• 言語 ENG
• 商品コード 9780199590759
• DDC分類 530.143

Full Description

This book provides an accessible introduction to loop quantum gravity and some of its applications, at a level suitable for undergraduate students and others with only a minimal knowledge of college level physics. In particular it is not assumed that the reader is familiar with general relativity and only minimally familiar with quantum mechanics and Hamiltonian mechanics. Most chapters end with problems that elaborate on the text, and aid learning. Applications such as loop quantum cosmology, black hole entropy and spin foams are briefly covered. The text is ideally suited for an undergraduate course in the senior year of a physics major. It can also be used to introduce undergraduates to general relativity and quantum field theory as part of a 'special topics' type of course.

Contents

1. Why quantize gravity ; 2. Special relativity and electromagnetism ; 3. Some elements of general relativity ; 4. Hamiltonian mechanics including constraints and fields ; 5. Yang-Mills theories ; 6. Quantum mechanics and elements of quantum field theories ; 7. General relativity in terms of Ashtekar's variables ; 8. Loop representation for general relativity ; 9. An application: loop quantum cosmology ; 10. Further developments ; 11. Open issues and controversies