The authors own work on the quantisation of black holes and collapsing dust shells is extensively presented. Overall the presentation is balanced and without any exaggerated claims for any one particular approach

David H. Coule, University of Zurich, Contemporary Science

The search for a quantum theory of the gravitational field is one of the great open problems in theoretical physics. This book presents a self-contained discussion of the concepts, methods and applications that can be expected in such a theory. The two main approaches to its construction -- the direct quantisation of Einstein's general theory of relativity and string theory -- are covered. Whereas the first attempts to construct a viable theory for the gravitational field alone, string theory assumes that a quantum theory of gravity will be achieved only through a unification of all the interactions. However, both employ the general method of quantization of constrained systems, which is described together with illustrative examples relevant for quantum gravity. There is a detailed presentation of the main approaches employed in quantum general relativity: path-integral quantization, the background-field method and canonical quantum gravity in the metric, connection and loop formulations. The discussion of string theory centres around its quantum-gravitational aspects and the comparison with quantum general relativity. Physical applications discussed at length include the quantization of black holes, quantum cosmology, the indications of a discrete structure of spacetime, and the origin of irreversibility. This third edition contains new chapters or sections on quantum gravity phenomenology, Horava-Lifshitz quantum gravity, analogue gravity, the holographic principle, and affine quantum gravity. It will present updates on loop quantum cosmology, the LTB model, asymptotic safety, and various discrete approaches. The third edition also contains pedagogical extensions throughout the text. This book will be of interest to researchers and students working in relativity and gravitation, cosmology, quantum field theory and related topics. It will also be of interest to mathematicians and philosophers of science.
Les mer
Quantum theory and Einstein's theory of relativity are at the centre of modern theoretical physics, yet, the consistent unification of both theories is still elusive. This book offers an up-to-date introduction into the attempts to construct a unified theory of "quantum gravity".
Les mer
1. Why quantum gravity? ; 2. Covariant approaches to quantum gravity ; 3. Parametrized and relational systems ; 4. Hamiltonian formulation of general relativity ; 5. Quantum geometrodynamics ; 6. Quantum gravity with connections and loops ; 7. Quantization of black holes ; 8. Quantum cosmology ; 9. String theory ; 10. Phenomenology, decoherence, and the arrow of time
Les mer
`Review from previous edition This book maintains a high level of clarity throughout, and is written with admirable patience. It will be found very useful by a beginning researcher in quantum gravity who wants to have a comprehensive overview of the subject. Equally well, senior researchers in the field will find it a handy reference for standard analyses of various aspects of the subject.' General Relativity and Gravitation `A clear exposition of the fundamental concepts of gravity... an extensive review of the subject. ' Journal of Classical and Quantum Gravity `Suitable for the expert who wants an overview of the state-of-the-art, as well as the novice looking for an introduction to one of the most spellbinding subjects in theoretical physics today.' Physik-Journal
Les mer
Accessible introduction to the main approaches to quantum gravity (without bias to a particular approach) Suitable starting point for any research in quantum gravity Presents a combination of mathematical and conceptual issues Assists the reader in recognizing connections between the various approaches Technically precise and explicit
Les mer
Claus Kiefer has been a Professor at the Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of Cologne, Germany since 2001.
Accessible introduction to the main approaches to quantum gravity (without bias to a particular approach) Suitable starting point for any research in quantum gravity Presents a combination of mathematical and conceptual issues Assists the reader in recognizing connections between the various approaches Technically precise and explicit
Les mer

Produktdetaljer

ISBN
9780199585205
Publisert
2012
Utgave
3. utgave
Utgiver
Vendor
Oxford University Press
Vekt
809 gr
Høyde
247 mm
Bredde
176 mm
Dybde
28 mm
Aldersnivå
UU, UP, P, 05, 06
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Innbundet
Antall sider
408

Forfatter

Biografisk notat

Claus Kiefer has been a Professor at the Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of Cologne, Germany since 2001.