Search results for "gravity"

Pair production due to an electric field in 1+1 dimensions and the validity of the semiclassical approximation

2021

Solutions to the backreaction equation in $1+1$-dimensional semiclassical electrodynamics are obtained and analyzed when considering a time-varying homogeneous electric field initially generated by a classical electric current, coupled to either a quantized scalar field or a quantized spin-$\frac{1}{2}$ field. Particle production by way of the Schwinger effect leads to backreaction effects that modulate the electric field strength. Details of the particle production process are investigated along with the transfer of energy between the electric field and the particles. The validity of the semiclassical approximation is also investigated using a criterion previously implemented for chaotic i…

Linear response theory: many-body formulation

2013

Junction conditions in Palatinif(R) gravity

2020

We work out the junction conditions for $f(R)$ gravity formulated in metric-affine (Palatini) spaces using a tensor distributional approach. These conditions are needed for building consistent models of gravitating bodies with an interior and exterior regions matched at some hypersurface. Some of these conditions depart from the standard Darmois-Israel ones of General Relativity and from their metric $f(R)$ counterparts. In particular, we find that the trace of the stress-energy momentum tensor in the bulk must be continuous across the matching hypersurface, though its normal derivative need not to. We illustrate the relevance of these conditions by considering the properties of stellar sur…

GrailQuest: hunting for atoms of space and time hidden in the wrinkle of Space-Time: A swarm of nano/micro/small-satellites to probe the ultimate str…

2021

AbstractGrailQuest(Gamma Ray Astronomy International Laboratory for QUantum Exploration of Space-Time) is a mission concept based on a constellation (hundreds/thousands) of nano/micro/small-satellites in low (or near) Earth orbits. Each satellite hosts a non-collimated array of scintillator crystals coupled with Silicon Drift Detectors with broad energy band coverage (keV-MeV range) and excellent temporal resolution (≤ 100 nanoseconds) each with effective area$\sim 100 \text {cm}^{2}$∼100cm2. This simple and robust design allows for mass-production of the satellites of the fleet. This revolutionary approach implies a huge reduction of costs, flexibility in the segmented launching strategy, …

Searches for Physics Beyond the Standard Model

2015

Despite its phenomenal success, the Standard Model is not expected to be a complete description of nature all the way up to the Planck scale where quantum gravity comes into play. As the collider at the current energy frontier, the LHC is in a unique position to look for signals of physics beyond the Standard Model. In this chapter, results from the first run of the LHC are surveyed that go beyond the supersymmetric extension of the Standard Model discussed in the previous chapter. At the time of writing, no evidence for new phenomena has been discovered. Instead, the LHC experiments have constrained the parameter space of conceivable models significantly. The most prominent results are on …

Is There a C-Function in 4D Quantum Einstein Gravity?

2016

We describe a functional renormalization group-based method to search for ‘C-like’ functions with properties similar to that in 2D conformal field theory. It exploits the mode counting properties of the effective average action and is particularly suited for theories including quantized gravity. The viability of the approach is demonstrated explicitly in a truncation of 4 dimensional Quantum Einstein Gravity, i.e. asymptotically safe metric gravity.

New solutions of the hamiltonian and diffeomorphism constraints of quantum gravity from a highest weight loop representation

1991

Abstract We introduce a highest weight type representation of the Rovelli-Smolin algebra of loop observables for quantum gravity. In terms of this representation, new solutions of the hamiltonian and diffeomorphism constraints are given. Assuming the locality of the quantum hamiltonian constraint we show that any functional depending on the generalized link class of the disjoint union of arbitrary simple loops is a solution. Finally we argue that this is the general solution in the irreducible representation space.

A simple microsuperspace model in 2 + 1 spacetime dimensions

1992

Abstract We quantize the closed Friedmann model in 2 + 1 spacetime dimensions using euclidean path-integral approach and a simple microsuperspace model. A relationship between integration measure and operator ordering in the Wheeler-DeWitt equation is found within our model. Solutions to the Wheeler-DeWitt equation are exactly reproduced from the path integral using suitable integration contours in the complex plane.

The Quantum Scalar Field in Spherically Symmetric Loop Quantum Gravity

2013

We consider the quantization of a spherically symmetric gravitational system coupled to a massless scalar field within the loop quantum gravity framework. Our results rely on the uniform discretizations method developed during the last years. We minimize the associated discrete “master constraint” using a trial state whose gravitational part is peaked around the classical Schwarzschild solution.

The Palatini Approach Beyond Einstein’s Gravity

2014

I review recent results obtained for extensions of general relativity formulated within the Palatini formalism, an approach in which metric and connection are treated as independent geometrical entities. The peculiar dynamics of these theories, governed by second-order equations and having no new degrees of freedom, makes them specially suitable to address certain aspects of quantum gravity phenomenology, construct nonsingular bouncing cosmologies, and explore black hole interiors, which in the Reissner-Nordstrom case develop a compact core of finite density instead of a point-like singularity.