Quantum gravity poses the problem of merging quantum mechanics and general relativity, the two great conceptual revolutions in the physics of the twentieth century. The loop and spinfoam approach, presented in this book, is one of the leading research programs in the field. The first part of the book discusses the reformulation of the basis of classical and quantum Hamiltonian physics required by general relativity. The second part covers the basic technical research directions. Appendices include a detailed history of the subject of quantum gravity, hard-to-find mathematical material, and a discussion of some philosophical issues raised by the subject. This fascinating text is ideal for graduate students entering the field, as well as researchers already working in quantum gravity. It will also appeal to philosophers and other scholars interested in the nature of space and time.

Book Description

This 2004 book presents the loop and spinfoam approach to quantum gravity, for graduates and researchers.

Table of Contents

Part I. Relativistic Foundations

1. General Ideas and Heuristic Picture

2. General Relativity

3. Mechanics

4. Hamiltonian General Relativity

5. Quantum Mechanics

Part II. Loop Quantum Gravity

6. Quantum Space

7. Dynamics and Matter

8. Applications

9. Quantum Spacetime: Spinfoams

10. Conclusion

Part III. Appendices

Appendix A. Groups and Recoupling Theory

Appendix B. History

Appendix C. On Method and Truth

Review

"This is a truly great book!...a must for someone interested in quantum gravity." -

Mathematical Reviews, Jose A. Zapata

"... an excellent text for graduate courses."

SciTech Book News

About the Author

Carlo Rovelli was born in Verona, Italy, in 1956 and obtained his Ph.D. in Physics in Padua in 1986. In 1996, he was awarded the Xanthopoulos International Prize, for the development of the loop approach to quantum gravity and for research on the foundation of the physics of space and time. Over the years he has taught and worked in the University of Pittsburgh; Université de la Méditerraneé, Marseille; and Università La Sapienza, Rome. Professor Rovelli's main research interests lie in general relativity, gravitational physics, and the philosophy of space and time. He has had over 100 articles published in international journals in physics and has written contributions for major encyclopedias.