No label defined (Q4400529)

The authors describe a novel approach to general relativity based on the family of null surfaces in a 4-dimensional manifold. Their null surface formulation consists of introducing a general set of 3-dimensional null surfaces and imposing on them the Einstein equations. The case of asymptotically flat spacetimes and linearization of the Einstein equations leading to a perturbative expansion can also be introduced in this framework. One application of this approach is that it leads to an interesting and not yet fully explored quantization of general relativity. The work constitutes a review of the null surface formulation of general relativity introduced by the authors before in a series of papers. For the entire collection see [Zbl 0890.00046].