A topological extension of general relativity

DOI10.1016/S0550-3213(97)80044-2zbMATH Open0939.83019arXivgr-qc/9612027MaRDI QIDQ678311FDOQ678311

Authors: M. Spaans 

Publication date: 16 April 1997

Published in: Nuclear Physics B (Search for Journal in Brave)

Abstract: A set of algebraic equations for the topological properties of space-time is derived, and used to extend general relativity into the Planck domain. A unique basis set of three-dimensional prime manifolds is constructed which consists of $S^3$, $S^{1}imes{S}^2$, and $T^3$. The action of a loop algebra on these prime manifolds yields topological invariants which constrain the dynamics of the four-dimensional space-time manifold. An extended formulation of Mach's principle and Einstein's equivalence of inertial and gravitational mass is proposed which leads to the correct classical limit of the theory. It is found that the vacuum possesses four topological degrees of freedom corresponding to a lattice of three-tori. This structure for the quantum foam naturally leads to gauge groups O(n) and SU(n) for the fields, a boundary condition for the universe, and an initial state characterized by local thermal equilibrium. The current observational estimate of the cosmological constant is reproduced without fine-tuning and found to be proportional to the number of macroscopic black holes. The black hole entropy follows immediately from the theory and the quantum corrections to its Schwarzschild horizon are computed.

Full work available at URL: https://arxiv.org/abs/gr-qc/9612027

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zbMATH Keywords

classical limitblack hole entropyloop algebraMach principleEinstein mass equivalencePlanck domainSchwarzschild horizontopological degrees of freedomtopological spacetime

Mathematics Subject Classification ID

Gravitational interaction in quantum theory (81V17) Quantization of the gravitational field (83C45)

Cites Work

• Inflationary universe: A possible solution to the horizon and flatness problems
• Quantum Theory of Gravity. I. The Canonical Theory
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Cited In (4)

• Title not available (Why is that?)
• Relativistic gravitational theory and spatial topology
• Planck scale physics and topology change through an exactly solvable model
• A topological extension of general relativity to explore the nature of quantum spacetime, dark energy and inflation

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