arXiv subjects

Igor Khavkine

Publications and source records attributed to Igor Khavkine.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2018

Reducing triangular systems of ODEs with rational coefficients, with applications to coupled Regge-Wheeler equations

We concisely summarize a method of finding all rational solutions to an inhomogeneous rational ODE system of arbitrary order (but solvable for its highest order terms) by converting it into a finite dimensional linear algebra problem. This method is then used to solve the problem of conclusively deciding when certain rational ODE systems in upper triangular form can or cannot be reduced to diagonal form by differential operators with rational coefficients. As specific examples, we consider systems of coupled Regge-Wheeler equations, which have naturally appeared in previous work on vector and tensor perturbations on the Schwarzschild black hole spacetime. Our systematic approach reproduces and complements identities that have been previously found by trial and error methods.

math-ph↗

arXiv2017

Ground state for a massive scalar field in BTZ spacetime with Robin boundary conditions

We consider a real, massive scalar field in BTZ spacetime, a 2+1-dimensional black hole solution of the Einstein's field equations with a negative cosmological constant. First, we analyze the space of classical solutions in a mode decomposition and we characterize the collection of all admissible boundary conditions of Robin type which can be imposed at infinity. Secondly, we investigate whether, for a given boundary condition, there exists a ground state by constructing explicitly its two-point function. We demonstrate that for a subclass of the boundary conditions it is possible to construct a ground state that locally satisfies the Hadamard property. In all other cases, we show that bound state mode solutions exist and, therefore, such construction is not possible.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2017

Synthetic geometry of differential equations: I. Jets and comonad structure

We give an abstract formulation of the formal theory partial differential equations (PDEs) in synthetic differential geometry, one that would seamlessly generalize the traditional theory to a range of enhanced contexts, such as super-geometry, higher (stacky) differential geometry, or even a combination of both. A motivation for such a level of generality is the eventual goal of solving the open problem of covariant geometric pre-quantization of locally variational field theories, which may include fermions and (higher) gauge fields. (abridged)

math.DG↗

arXiv2016

Cohomology with causally restricted supports

De Rham cohomology with spacelike compact and timelike compact supports has recently been noticed to be of importance for understanding the structure of classical and quantum Maxwell theory on curved spacetimes. Similarly causally restricted cohomologies of different differential complexes play a similar role in other gauge theories. We introduce a method for computing these causally restricted cohomologies in terms of cohomologies with either compact or unrestricted supports. The calculation exploits the fact that the de Rham-d'Alembert wave operator can be extended to a chain map that is homotopic to zero and that its causal Green function fits into a convenient exact sequence. As a first application, we use the method on the de Rham complex, then also on the Calabi (or Killing-Riemann-Bianchi) complex, which appears in linearized gravity on constant curvature backgrounds. We also discuss applications to other complexes, as well as generalized causal structures and functoriality.

math-ph↗

arXiv2016

Analytic Dependence is an Unnecessary Requirement in Renormalization of Locally Covariant QFT

Finite renormalization freedom in locally covariant quantum field theories on curved spacetime is known to be tightly constrained, under certain standard hypotheses, to the same terms as in flat spacetime up to finitely many curvature dependent terms. These hypotheses include, in particular, locality, covariance, scaling, microlocal regularity and continuous and analytic dependence on the metric and coupling parameters. The analytic dependence hypothesis is somewhat unnatural, because it requires that locally covariant observables (which are simultaneously defined on all spacetimes) depend continuously on an arbitrary metric, with the dependence strengthened to analytic on analytic metrics. Moreover the fact that analytic metrics are globally rigid makes the implementation of this requirement at the level of local $*$-algebras of observables rather technically cumbersome. We show that the conditions of locality, covariance, scaling and a naturally strengthened microlocal spectral condition, are actually sufficient to constrain the allowed finite renormalizations equally strongly, thus eliminating both the continuity and the somewhat unnatural analyticity hypotheses. The key step in the proof uses the Peetre-Slovák theorem on the characterization of (in general non-linear) differential operators by their locality and regularity properties.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2015

A polynomial action for gravity with matter, gauge-fixing and ghosts

We give a variational formulation of General Relativity, with coupling to a cosmological constant, to scalar fields, to vector fields and to spinor fields (all with possible mass and interaction terms). Among the matter fields, we include ghosts corresponding to diffeomorphism and Yang-Mills gauge symmetries, with kinetic terms given by gauge fixing conditions leading to hyperbolic equations of motion for all fields. The distinguishing characteristic of our Lagrangian density is its polynomiality, in all dynamical fields and Lagrange multipliers, and its validity for any number of spacetime dimensions.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2015

Algebraic QFT in Curved Spacetime and quasifree Hadamard states: an introduction

Within this chapter (published as [49]) we introduce the overall idea of the algebraic formalism of QFT on a fixed globally hyperbolic spacetime in the framework of unital $*$-algebras. We point out some general features of CCR algebras, such as simplicity and the construction of symmetry-induced homomorphisms. For simplicity, we deal only with a real scalar quantum field. We discuss some known general results in curved spacetime like the existence of quasifree states enjoying symmetries induced from the background, pointing out the relevant original references. We introduce, in particular, the notion of a Hadamard quasifree algebraic quantum state, both in the geometric and microlocal formulation, and the associated notion of Wick polynomials.

math-ph↗

arXiv2015

Local and gauge invariant observables in gravity

It is well known that general relativity (GR) does not possess any non-trivial local (in a precise standard sense) and diffeomorphism invariant observables. We propose a generalized notion of local observables, which retain the most important properties that follow from the standard definition of locality, yet is flexible enough to admit a large class of diffeomorphism invariant observables in GR. The generalization comes at a small price, that the domain of definition of a generalized local observable may not cover the entire phase space of GR and two such observables may have distinct domains. However, the subset of metrics on which generalized local observables can be defined is in a sense generic (its open interior is non-empty in the Whitney strong topology). Moreover, generalized local gauge invariant observables are sufficient to separate diffeomorphism orbits on this admissible subset of the phase space. Connecting the construction with the notion of differential invariants, gives a general scheme for defining generalized local gauge invariant observables in arbitrary gauge theories, which happens to agree with well-known results for Maxwell and Yang-Mills theories.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2015

Recurrence relation for the 6j-symbol of su_q(2) as a symmetric eigenvalue problem

A well known recurrence relation for the 6j-symbol of the quantum group su_q(2) is realized as a tridiagonal, symmetric eigenvalue problem. This formulation can be used to implement an efficient numerical evaluation algorithm, taking advantage of existing specialized numerical packages. For convenience, all formulas relevant for such an implementation are collected in the appendix. This realization is a byproduct of an alternative proof of the recurrence relation, which generalizes a classical (q=1) result of Schulten and Gordon and uses the diagrammatic spin network formalism of Temperley-Lieb recoupling theory to simplify intermediate calculations.

math.QA↗

arXiv2014

The Calabi complex and Killing sheaf cohomology

It has recently been noticed that the degeneracies of the Poisson bracket of linearized gravity on constant curvature Lorentzian manifold can be described in terms of the cohomologies of a certain complex of differential operators. This complex was first introduced by Calabi and its cohomology is known to be isomorphic to that of the (locally constant) sheaf of Killing vectors. We review the structure of the Calabi complex in a novel way, with explicit calculations based on representation theory of GL(n), and also some tools for studying its cohomology in terms of of locally constant sheaves. We also conjecture how these tools would adapt to linearized gravity on other backgrounds and to other gauge theories. The presentation includes explicit formulas for the differential operators in the Calabi complex, arguments for its local exactness, discussion of generalized Poincaré duality, methods of computing the cohomology of locally constant sheaves, and example calculations of Killing sheaf cohomologies of some black hole and cosmological Lorentzian manifolds.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2014

Topology, rigid cosymmetries and linearization instability in higher gauge theories

We consider a class of non-linear PDE systems, whose equations possess Noether identities (the equations are redundant), including non-variational systems (not coming from Lagrangian field theories), where Noether identities and infinitesimal gauge transformations need not be in bijection. We also include theories with higher stage Noether identities, known as higher gauge theories (if they are variational). Some of these systems are known to exhibit linearization instabilities: there exist exact background solutions about which a linearized solution is extendable to a family of exact solutions only if some non-linear obstruction functionals vanish. We give a general, geometric classification of a class of these linearization obstructions, which includes as special cases all known ones for relativistic field theories (vacuum Einstein, Yang-Mills, classical N=1 supergravity, etc.). Our classification shows that obstructions arise due to the simultaneous presence of rigid cosymmetries (generalized Killing condition) and non-trivial de Rham cohomology classes (spacetime topology). The classification relies on a careful analysis of the cohomologies of the on-shell Noether complex (consistent deformations), adjoint Noether complex (rigid cosymmetries) and variational bicomplex (conserved currents). An intermediate result also gives a criterion for identifying non-linearities that do not lead to linearization instabilities.

math-ph↗

arXiv2014

Covariant phase space, constraints, gauge and the Peierls formula

It is well known that both the symplectic structure and the Poisson brackets of classical field theory can be constructed directly from the Lagrangian in a covariant way, without passing through the non-covariant canonical Hamiltonian formalism. This is true even in the presence of constraints and gauge symmetries. These constructions go under the names of the covariant phase space formalism and the Peierls bracket. We review both of them, paying more careful attention, than usual, to the precise mathematical hypotheses that they require, illustrating them in examples. Also an extensive historical overview of the development of these constructions is provided. The novel aspect of our presentation is a significant expansion and generalization of an elegant and quite recent argument by Forger & Romero showing the equivalence between the resulting symplectic and Poisson structures without passing through the canonical Hamiltonian formalism as an intermediary. We generalize it to cover theories with constraints and gauge symmetries and formulate precise sufficient conditions under which the argument holds. These conditions include a local condition on the equations of motion that we call hyperbolizability, and some global conditions of cohomological nature. The details of our presentation may shed some light on subtle questions related to the Poisson structure of gauge theories and their quantization.

math-ph↗

arXiv2014

Quantum astrometric observables II: time delay in linearized quantum gravity

A clock synchronization thought experiment is modeled by a diffeomorphism invariant "time delay" observable. In a sense, this observable probes the causal structure of the ambient Lorentzian spacetime. Thus, upon quantization, it is sensitive to the long expected smearing of the light cone by vacuum fluctuations in quantum gravity. After perturbative linearization, its mean and variance are computed in the Minkowski Fock vacuum of linearized gravity. The naïve divergence of the variance is meaningfully regularized by a length scale $μ$, the physical detector resolution. This is the first time vacuum fluctuations have been fully taken into account in a similar calculation. Despite some drawbacks this calculation provides a useful template for the study of a large class of similar observables in quantum gravity. Due to their large volume, intermediate calculations were performed using computer algebra software. The resulting variance scales like $(s \ell_p/μ)^2$, where $\ell_p$ is the Planck length and $s$ is the distance scale separating the ("lab" and "probe") clocks. Additionally, the variance depends on the relative velocity of the lab and the probe, diverging for low velocities. This puzzling behavior may be due to an oversimplified detector resolution model or a neglected second order term in the time delay.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2013

Presymplectic current and the inverse problem of the calculus of variations

The inverse problem of the calculus of variations asks whether a given system of partial differential equations (PDEs) admits a variational formulation. We show that the existence of a presymplectic form in the variational bicomplex, when horizontally closed on solutions, allows us to construct a variational formulation for a subsystem of the given PDE. No constraints on the differential order or number of dependent or independent variables are assumed. The proof follows a recent observation of Bridges, Hydon and Lawson and generalizes an older result of Henneaux from ordinary differential equations (ODEs) to PDEs. Uniqueness of the variational formulation is also discussed.

math-ph↗

arXiv2012

Characteristics, Conal Geometry and Causality in Locally Covariant Field Theory

The goal of this work, motivated by the desire to understand causality in classical and quantum gravity, is an in depth investigation of causality in classical field theories with quasilinear equations of motion, of which General Relativity is a prominent example. Several modern geometric tools (jet bundle formulation of partial differential equations (PDEs), the theory of symmetric hyperbolic PDE systems, covariant constructions of symplectic and Poisson structures) and applies them to the construction of the phase space and the algebra of observables of quasilinear classical field theories. This construction is shown to be diffeomorphism covariant (using auxiliary background fields if necessary) using categorical tools in a strong parallel with the locally covariant field theory (LCFT) formulation of quantum field theory (QFT) on curved spacetimes. In this context, generalized versions of LCFT axioms become theorems of classical field theory, which includes a generalized Causality property. Considering deformation quantization as the connection to QFT, a plausible conjecture is made about the Causal structure of quantum gravity. In the process, conal manifolds are identified as the generalization of the causal structure of Lorentzian geometry to quasilinear PDEs. Several important concepts and results are generalized from Lorentzian to conal geometry. Also, the proof of compatibility of the Peierls formula for Poisson brackets and the covariant phase space symplectic structure for hyperbolic systems is generalized to now encompass systems with constraints and gauge invariance.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2012

Quantum astrometric observables I: time delay in classical and quantum gravity

A class of diffeomorphism invariant, physical observables, so-called astrometric observables, is introduced. A particularly simple example, the time delay, which expresses the difference between two initially synchronized proper time clocks in relative inertial motion, is analyzed in detail. It is found to satisfy some interesting inequalities related to the causal structure of classical Lorentzian spacetimes. Thus it can serve as a probe of causal structure and in particular of violations of causality. A quantum model of this observable as well as the calculation of its variance due to vacuum fluctuations in quantum linearized gravity are sketched. The question of whether the causal inequalities are still satisfied by quantized gravity, which is pertinent to the nature of causality in quantum gravity, is raised, but it is shown that perturbative calculations cannot provide a definite answer. Some potential applications of astrometric observables in quantum gravity are discussed.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2010

Coupling a Point-Like Mass to Quantum Gravity with Causal Dynamical Triangulations

We present a possibility of coupling a point-like, non-singular, mass distribution to four-dimensional quantum gravity in the nonperturbative setting of causal dynamical triangulations (CDT). In order to provide a point of comparison for the classical limit of the matter-coupled CDT model, we derive the spatial volume profile of the Euclidean Schwarzschild-de Sitter space glued to an interior matter solution. The volume profile is calculated with respect to a specific proper-time foliation matching the global time slicing present in CDT. It deviates in a characteristic manner from that of the pure-gravity model. The appearance of coordinate caustics and the compactness of the mass distribution in lattice units put an upper bound on the total mass for which these calculations are expected to be valid. We also discuss some of the implementation details for numerically measuring the expectation value of the volume profiles in the framework of CDT when coupled appropriately to the matter source.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2010

Comment on `Hawking radiation from fluctuating black holes'

Takahashi & Soda (2010 Class. Quantum Grav. v27 p175008, arXiv:1005.0286) have recently considered the effect (at lowest non-trivial order) of dynamical, quantized gravitational fluctuations on the spectrum of scalar Hawking radiation from a collapsing Schwarzschild black hole. However, due to an unfortunate choice of gauge, the dominant (even divergent) contribution to the coefficient of the spectrum correction that they identify is a pure gauge artifact. I summarize the logic of their calculation, comment on the divergences encountered in its course and comment on how they could be eliminated, and thus the calculation be completed.

gr-qc↗