Geometric Structures and Loop Variables in (2+1)-Dimensional Gravity

S. Carlip

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arXiv · gr-qc/9309020

Geometric Structures and Loop Variables in (2+1)-Dimensional Gravity

S. Carlip

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Abstract

This paper is a review of the relationship between the metric formulation of (2+1)-dimensional gravity and the loop observables of Rovelli and Smolin. I emphasize the possibility of reconstructing the geometry, via the theory of geometric structures, from the values of the loop variables. I close with a brief discussion of implications for quantization, particularly for covariant canonical approaches to quantum gravity.

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S. Carlip. 1993-09-21. Geometric Structures and Loop Variables in (2+1)-Dimensional Gravity. https://arxiv.org/abs/gr-qc/9309020

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