arXiv subjects

J. Pullin

Publications and source records attributed to J. Pullin.

9 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2020

Spherically symmetric loop quantum gravity: analysis of improved dynamics

We study the "improved dynamics" for the treatment of spherically symmetric space-times in loop quantum gravity introduced by Chiou {\em et al.} in analogy with the one that has been constructed by Ashtekar, Pawlowski and Singh for the homogeneous space-times. In this dynamics the polymerization parameter is a well motivated function of the dynamical variables, reflecting the fact that the quantum of area depends on them. Contrary to the homogeneous case, its implementation does not trigger undesirable physical properties. We identify semiclassical physical states in the quantum theory and derive the corresponding effective semiclassical metrics. We then discuss some of their properties. Concretely, the space-time approaches sufficiently fast the Schwarzschild geometry at low curvatures. Besides, regions where the singularity is in the classical theory get replaced by a regular but discrete effective geometry with finite and Planck order curvature, regardless of the mass of the black hole. This circumvents trans-Planckian curvatures that appeared for astrophysical black holes in the quantization scheme without the improvement. It makes the resolution of the singularity more in line with the one observed in models that use the isometry of the interior of a Schwarzschild black hole with the Kantowski--Sachs loop quantum cosmologies. One can observe the emergence of effective violations of the null energy condition in the interior of the black hole as part of the mechanism of the elimination of the singularity.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2004

Unified model of loop quantum gravity and matter

We reconsider the unified model of gravitation and Yang--Mills interactions proposed by Chakraborty and Peldán, in the light of recent formal developments in loop quantum gravity. In particular, we show that one can promote the Hamiltonian constraint of the unified model to a well defined anomaly-free quantum operator using the techniques introduced by Thiemann, at least for the Euclidean theory. The Lorentzian version of the model can be consistently constructed, but at the moment appears to yield a correct weak field theory only under restrictive assumptions, and its quantization appears problematic.

gr-qc↗

arXiv1999

Consistent canonical quantization of general relativity in the space of Vassiliev knot invariants

We present a quantization of the Hamiltonian and diffeomorphism constraint of canonical quantum gravity in the spin network representation. The novelty consists in considering a space of wavefunctions based on the Vassiliev knot invariants. The constraints are finite, well defined, and reproduce at the level of quantum commutators the Poisson algebra of constraints of the classical theory. A similar construction can be carried out in 2+1 dimensions leading to the correct quantum theory.

gr-qc↗

arXiv1998

Yang-Mills analogues of the Immirzi ambiguity

We draw parallels between the recently introduced ``Immirzi ambiguity'' of the Ashtekar-like formulation of canonical quantum gravity and other ambiguities that appear in Yang-Mills theories, like the $θ$ ambiguity. We also discuss ambiguities in the Maxwell case, and implication for the loop quantization of these theories.

gr-qc↗

arXiv1997

A spin network generalization of the Jones Polynomial and Vassiliev invariants

We apply the ideas of Alvarez and Labastida to the invariant of spin networks defined by Witten and Martin based on Chern-Simons theory. We show that it is possible to define ambient invariants of spin networks that (for the case of SU(2)) can be considered as extensions to spin networks of the Jones polynomial. Expansions of the coefficients of the polynomial yield primitive Vassiliev invariants. The resulting invariants are candidates for solutions of the Wheeler--DeWitt equations in the spin network representation of quantum gravity.

q-alg↗

arXiv1995

Colliding black holes with linearized gravity

We give a brief summary of results and ongoing research in the application of linearized theory to the study of black hole collisions in the limit in which the holes start close to each other. This approximation can be a valuable tool for comparison and code-checking of full numerical relativity computations. The approximation works quite well for the head-on case and this is motivation to pursue its use in other more interesting contexts. We summarize current efforts towards establishing the domain of validity of the approximation and its use in generation and evolution of initial data for more interesting physical cases.

gr-qc↗

arXiv1993

Extended Loops: A New Arena for Nonperturbative Quantum Gravity

We propose a new representation for gauge theories and quantum gravity. It can be viewed as a generalization of the loop representation. We make use of a recently introduced extension of the group of loops into a Lie Group. This extension allows the use of functional methods to solve the constraint equations. It puts in a precise framework the regularization problems of the loop representation. It has practical advantages in the search for quantum states. We present new solutions to the Wheeler-DeWitt equation that reinforce the conjecture that the Jones Polynomial is a state of nonperturbative quantum gravity.

gr-qc↗

arXiv1993

The Gauss Linking Number in Quantum Gravity

We show that the exponential of the Gauss (self) linking number of a knot is a solution of the Wheeler-DeWitt equation in loop space with a cosmological constant. Using this fact, it is straightforward to prove that the second coefficient of the Jones Polynomial is a solution of the Wheeler-DeWitt equation in loop space with no cosmological constant. We perform calculations from scratch, starting from the connection representation and give details of the proof. Implications for the possibility of generation of other solutions are also discussed.

gr-qc↗

arXiv1992

Quantum Einstein-Maxwell Fields: A Unified Viewpoint from the Loop Representation

We propose a naive unification of Electromagnetism and General Relativity based on enlarging the gauge group of Ashtekar's new variables. We construct the connection and loop representations and analyze the space of states. In the loop representation, the wavefunctions depend on two loops, each of them carrying information about both gravitation and electromagnetism. We find that the Chern-Simons form and the Jones Polynomial play a role in the model.

hep-th↗