scholarly journals On the quantum field theory of the gravitational interactions

Author(s):  
Damiano Anselmi

We study the main options for a unitary and renormalizable, local quantum field theory of the gravitational interactions. The first model is a Lee-Wick superrenormalizable higher-derivative gravity, formulated as a nonanalytically Wick rotated Euclidean theory. We show that, under certain conditions, the $S$ matrix is unitary when the cosmological constant vanishes. The model is the simplest of its class. However, infinitely many similar options are allowed, which raises the issue of uniqueness. To deal with this problem, we propose a new quantization prescription, by doubling the unphysical poles of the higher-derivative propagators and turning them into Lee-Wick poles. The Lagrangian of the simplest theory of quantum gravity based on this idea is the linear combination of $R$, $R_{\mu \nu}R^{\mu \nu }$, $R^{2}$ and the cosmological term. Only the graviton propagates in the cutting equations and, when the cosmological constant vanishes, the $S$ matrix is unitary. The theory satisfies the locality of counterterms and is renormalizable by power counting. It is unique in the sense that it is the only one with a dimensionless gauge coupling.

Author(s):  
Iosif L. Buchbinder ◽  
Ilya L. Shapiro

This brief concluding chapter summarizes the general situation in semiclassical theory and quantum gravity. Even in the framework of the usual perturbative quantum field theory, there are several approaches leading to theoretically satisfactory models of quantum gravitational effects, starting from quantum field theory in curved spacetime. Here, the expression “satisfactory” does not mean perfectness, as there is no theoretically perfect model of quantum gravity. The chapter then goes on to review the main unsolved problems of quantum gravity, such as higher-derivative ghosts and instabilities and the cosmological constant problem. It concludes with the hope that the basic aspects of the models presented in this book will be useful for anyone who intends to start working in this fascinating area.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gustav Mogull ◽  
Jan Plefka ◽  
Jan Steinhoff

Abstract A precise link is derived between scalar-graviton S-matrix elements and expectation values of operators in a worldline quantum field theory (WQFT), both used to describe classical scattering of black holes. The link is formally provided by a worldline path integral representation of the graviton-dressed scalar propagator, which may be inserted into a traditional definition of the S-matrix in terms of time-ordered correlators. To calculate expectation values in the WQFT a new set of Feynman rules is introduced which treats the gravitational field hμν(x) and position $$ {x}_i^{\mu}\left({\tau}_i\right) $$ x i μ τ i of each black hole on equal footing. Using these both the 3PM three-body gravitational radiation 〈hμv(k)〉 and 2PM two-body deflection $$ \Delta {p}_i^{\mu } $$ Δ p i μ from classical black hole scattering events are obtained. The latter can also be obtained from the eikonal phase of a 2 → 2 scalar S-matrix, which we show corresponds to the free energy of the WQFT.


1991 ◽  
Vol 66 (24) ◽  
pp. 3097-3100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manu Mathur ◽  
H. S. Sharatchandra

2021 ◽  
pp. 304-328
Author(s):  
J. Iliopoulos ◽  
T.N. Tomaras

Loop diagrams often yield ultraviolet divergent integrals. We introduce the concept of one-particle irreducible diagrams and develop the power counting argument which makes possible the classification of quantum field theories into non-renormalisable, renormalisable and super-renormalisable. We describe some regularisation schemes with particular emphasis on dimensional regularisation. The renormalisation programme is described at one loop order for φ‎4 and QED. We argue, without presenting the detailed proof, that the programme can be extended to any finite order in the perturbation expansion for every renormalisable (or super-renormalisable) quantum field theory. We derive the equation of the renormalisation group and explain how it can be used in order to study the asymptotic behaviour of Green functions. This makes it possible to introduce the concept of asymptotic freedom.


Entropy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (11) ◽  
pp. 1297
Author(s):  
Jun Tsujimura ◽  
Yasusada Nambu

The Ryu–Takayanagi formula provides the entanglement entropy of quantum field theory as an area of the minimal surface (Ryu–Takayanagi surface) in a corresponding gravity theory. There are some attempts to understand the formula as a flow rather than as a surface. In this paper, we consider null rays emitted from the AdS boundary and construct a flow representing the causal holographic information. We present a sufficient and necessary condition that the causal information surface coincides with Ryu–Takayanagi surface. In particular, we show that, in spherical symmetric static spacetimes with a negative cosmological constant, wave fronts of null geodesics from a point on the AdS boundary become extremal surfaces and therefore they can be regarded as the Ryu–Takayanagi surfaces. In addition, from the viewpoint of flow, we propose a wave optical formula to calculate the causal holographic information.


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