Effective Descriptions of Quantum Gravity and Cosmology

量子引力和宇宙学的有效描述

基本信息

批准号：
2206591
负责人：
Martin Bojowald
金额：
$ 24万
依托单位：
Pennsylvania State Univ University Park
依托单位国家：
美国
项目类别：
Continuing Grant
财政年份：
2022
资助国家：
美国
起止时间：
2022-06-01 至 2025-05-31
项目状态：
未结题

来源：
https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2206591&HistoricalAwards=false
关键词：
Effective Descriptions Quantum Gravity Cosmology

项目摘要

General relativity and quantum mechanics are the two major theories that govern fundamental physics of space-time and of elementary particles. However, it is not known how they could be combined to a consistent theory of quantum gravity. Fascinating phenomena such as the very first stages of the Big Bang or the cores of black holes therefore remain out of the reach of our current understanding. This research investigates a wide range of systems in which both general relativity and quantum mechanics are relevant, thereby promoting the progress of science. The main focus is on methods that allow one to derive physical implications by suitable approximations, and to use the results to guide the development of quantum gravity. Applications to the Big Bang and black holes often lead to conclusions that capture the interest of the general public. Related methods can also be used in systems not involving general relativity, where they may help to solve technical questions or to communicate results in a new way, supporting for instance the teaching of quantum mechanics. This research supports diversity by including members of under-represented groups in science.The objective of this research is to introduce and evaluate new methods for a systematic analysis of physical implications of one set of candidate theories of quantum gravity, based on canonical quantization. Throughout physics, a powerful tool to derive potentially observable phenomena is given by effective theories which provide quantum corrections to the classical equations. Such systems can more easily be evaluated, analytically or numerically, than equations for quantum states and thus are more direct sources for the discovery of new phenomena. While standard techniques to derive effective equations do not apply to canonical quantum gravity, a general scheme applicable to canonical quantum theories exists (introduced by the PI) and is used in this project to address the main problems of quantum gravity. It provides the basis for a long-term program evaluating physical phenomena in the broad context of quantum gravity. Such a systematic derivation will make it possible to put effects found previously in simplified models on a firm footing, uncover new phenomena and provide reliable predictions. Results will be used to compare the theory with other candidates of quantum gravity, with the potential of a fruitful transfer of ideas and techniques between the approaches.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

一般相对论和量子力学是控制时空和基本颗粒基本物理学的两个主要理论。但是，尚不知道如何将它们结合到量子重力的一致理论中。因此，令人着迷的现象，例如大爆炸的第一阶段或黑洞的核心，这是我们当前理解的范围。这项研究研究了广泛的系统，其中一般相对论和量子力学都是相关的，从而促进了科学的进步。主要重点是使人们通过合适的近似值来得出物理含义的方法，并使用结果指导量子重力的发展。大爆炸和黑洞的应用通常会得出结论，以吸引公众的兴趣。相关方法也可以用于不涉及一般相对论的系统中，在这种系统中，它们可能有助于解决技术问题或以新的方式传达结果，例如支持量子力学的教学。这项研究通过在科学中包括代表性不足的群体的成员来支持多样性。这项研究的目的是基于规范量化的一组量子重力理论的物理意义，介绍和评估新方法，以系统分析。在整个物理学中，有效的理论给出了一种有效的可观察到现象的强大工具，该理论为经典方程提供了量子校正。与量子状态的方程相比，可以更容易地评估，分析或数字上的评估系统，因此是发现新现象的更直接来源。尽管用于得出有效方程式的标准技术不适用于规范量子重力，但存在适用于规范量子理论的一般方案（由PI引入），并在该项目中用于解决量子重力的主要问题。它为在量子重力的广泛背景下评估物理现象的长期计划提供了基础。这种系统的推导将使以前在简化模型中发现的效果在牢固的基础上，发现新现象并提供可靠的预测成为可能。结果将用于将理论与其他量子重力候选者进行比较，并在方法之间进行富有成果的思想和技术转移。该奖项反映了NSF的法定任务，并认为值得通过基金会的知识分子优点和更广泛的影响来通过评估来进行评估。