We discuss constraint structure of extended theories of gravitation (also known as f(R) theories) in the vacuum selfdual formulation introduced in ref. [1].
We explicitly construct and characterize all possible independent loop states in 3+1 dimensional loop quantum gravity by regulating it on a 3-d regular lattice in the Hamiltonian formalism. These loop states, characterized by the (dual) angular momen
tum quantum numbers, describe SU(2) rigid rotators on the links of the lattice. The loop states are constructed using the Schwinger bosons which are harmonic oscillators in the fundamental (spin half) representation of SU(2). Using generalized Wigner Eckart theorem, we compute the matrix elements of the volume operator in the loop basis. Some simple loop eigenstates of the volume operator are explicitly constructed.
The simplicial framework of Engle-Pereira-Rovelli-Livine spin-foam models is generalized to match the diffeomorphism invariant framework of loop quantum gravity. The simplicial spin-foams are generalized to arbitrary linear 2-cell spin-foams. The res
ulting framework admits all the spin-network states of loop quantum gravity, not only those defined by triangulations (or cubulations). In particular the notion of embedded spin-foam we use allows to consider knotting or linking spin-foam histories. Also the main tools as the vertex structure and the vertex amplitude are naturally generalized to arbitrary valency case. The correspondence between all the SU(2) intertwiners and the SU(2)$times$SU(2) EPRL intertwiners is proved to be 1-1 in the case of the Barbero-Immirzi parameter $|gamma|ge 1$, unless the co-domain of the EPRL map is trivial and the domain is non-trivial.
The canonical ``loop formulation of quantum gravity is a mathematically well defined, background independent, non perturbative standard quantization of Einsteins theory of General Relativity. Some among the most meaningful results of the theory are:
1) the complete calculation of the spectrum of geometric quantities like the area and the volume and the consequent physical predictions about the structure of the space-time at the Plank scale; 2) a microscopical derivation of the Bekenstein-Hawking black-hole entropy formula. Unfortunately, despite recent results, the dynamical aspect of the theory (imposition of the Wheller-De Witt constraint) remains elusive. After a short description of the basic ideas and the main results of loop quantum gravity we show in which sence the exponential of the super Hamiltonian constraint leads to the concept of spin foam and to a four dimensional formulation of the theory. Moreover, we show that some topological field theories as the BF theory in 3 and 4 dimension admits a spin foam formulation. We argue that the spin-foams/spin-networks formalism it is the natural framework to discuss loop quantum gravity and topological field theory.
Research during the last decade demonstrates that effects originating on the Planck scale are currently being tested in multiple observational contexts. In this review we discuss quantum gravity phenomenological models and their possible links to loo
p quantum gravity. Particle frameworks, including kinematic models, broken and deformed Poincare symmetry, non-commutative geometry, relative locality and generalized uncertainty principle, and field theory frameworks, including Lorentz violating operators in effective field theory and non-commutative field theory, are discussed. The arguments relating loop quantum gravity to models with modified dispersion relations are reviewed, as well as, arguments supporting the preservation of local Lorentz invariance. The phenomenology related to loop quantum cosmology is briefly reviewed, with a focus on possible effects that might be tested in the near future. As the discussion makes clear, there remains much interesting work to do in establishing the connection between the fundamental theory of loop quantum gravity and these specific phenomenological models, in determining observational consequences of the characteristic aspects of loop quantum gravity, and in further refining current observations. Open problems related to these developments are highlighted. characteristic aspects of loop quantum gravity, and in further refining current observations. Open problems related to these developments are highlighted.
In a recent paper, we introduced a new discretization scheme for gravity in 2+1 dimensions. Starting from the continuum theory, this new scheme allowed us to rigorously obtain the discrete phase space of loop gravity, coupled to particle-like edge mo
de degrees of freedom. In this work, we expand on that result by considering the most general choice of integration during the discretization process. We obtain a family of polarizations of the discrete phase space. In particular, one member of this family corresponds to the usual loop gravity phase space, while another corresponds to a new polarization, dual to the usual one in several ways. We study its properties, including the relevant constraints and the symmetries they generate. Furthermore, we motivate a relation between the dual polarization and teleparallel gravity.