A loop representation for the quantum Maxwell field

DOI10.1088/0264-9381/9/5/002MaRDI QIDQ4550366zbMATH OpenOpenAlexFDO

Authors Abhay Ashtekar, Carlo Rovelli

Publication date 21 August 2002

Published in Classical and Quantum Gravity (Search for Journal in Brave)

Full work available at URL https://arxiv.org/abs/hep-th/9202063

Mathematics Subject Classification ID

Coherent states (81R30) Electromagnetic interaction; quantum electrodynamics (81V10) Quantization of the gravitational field (83C45) Electromagnetic fields in general relativity and gravitational theory (83C50) Quantization in field theory; cohomological methods (81T70)

Abstract: Quantization of the free Maxwell field in Minkowski space is carried out using a loop representation and shown to be equivalent to the standard Fock quantization. Because it is based on coherent state methods, this framework may be useful in quantum optics. It is also well-suited for the discussion of issues related to flux quantization in condensed matter physics. Our own motivation, however, came from a non-perturbative approach to quantum gravity. The concrete results obtained in this paper for the Maxwell field provide independent support for that approach. In addition, they offer some insight into the physical interpretation of the mathematical structures that play, within this approach, an essential role in the description of the quantum geometry at Planck scale.

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Cited in

(14)

• On differential structure for projective limits of manifolds
• Self duality and quantization
• Degeneracy in loop variables
• Quantum gravity: meaning and measurement
• Conservative quantities and their algebra in the self-dual gravity
• How the Jones polynomial gives rise to physical states of quantum general relativity
• Reconstruction theorem for groupoids and principal fiber bundles
• Loop quantum gravity
• Extended loops: A new arena for nonperturbative quantum gravity
• Magnetic monopole in the loop representation
• Electromagnetism and multiple-valued loop-dependent wave functionals
• Combinatorial space from loop quantum gravity
• Loop quantum gravity
• Gauge theories and holisms

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