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arXiv · 0904.0184

Some surprising implications of background independence in canonical quantum gravity

Abhay Ashtekar
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Abstract

There is a precise sense in which the requirement of background independence suffices to uniquely select the kinematics of loop quantum gravity (LQG). Specifically, the fundamental kinematic algebra of LQG admits a unique diffeomorphism invariant state. Although this result has been established rigorously, it comes as a surprise to researchers working with other approaches to quantum gravity. The goal of this article is to explain the underlying reasons in a pedagogical fashion using geometrodynamics, keeping the technicalities at their minimum. This discussion will bring out the surprisingly powerful role played by diffeomorphism invariance (and covariance) in non-perturbative, canonical quantum gravity.

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Abhay Ashtekar. 2009-04-01. Some surprising implications of background independence in canonical quantum gravity. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10714-009-0802-1

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