Quantum Space
Loop Quantum Gravity and the Search for the Structure of Space, Time, and the Universe
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Product details:
- Publisher OUP Oxford
- Date of Publication 22 November 2018
- ISBN 9780198809111
- Binding Hardback
- No. of pages448 pages
- Size 238x162x38 mm
- Weight 711 g
- Language English
- Illustrations 30 black and white images 0
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Short description:
The greatest challenge for physics is to combine its two most successful theories: general relativity and quantum mechanics. The resulting quantum theory of gravity would explain the universe across all scales. Much has been said about the approach based on string theory. Here, Jim Baggott describes its powerful rival: Loop Quantum Gravity.
MoreLong description:
Today we are blessed with two extraordinarily successful theories of physics. The first is Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity, which describes the large-scale behaviour of matter in a curved spacetime. This theory is the basis for the standard model of big bang cosmology. The discovery of gravitational waves at the LIGO observatory in the US (and then Virgo, in Italy) is only the most recent of this theory's many triumphs.
The second is quantum mechanics. This theory describes the properties and behaviour of matter and radiation at their smallest scales. It is the basis for the standard model of particle physics, which builds up all the visible constituents of the universe out of collections of quarks, electrons and force-carrying particles such as photons. The discovery of the Higgs boson at CERN in Geneva is only the most recent of this theory's many triumphs.
But, while they are both highly successful, these two structures leave a lot of important questions unanswered. They are also based on two different interpretations of space and time, and are therefore fundamentally incompatible. We have two descriptions but, as far as we know, we've only ever had one universe. What we need is a quantum theory of gravity.
Approaches to formulating such a theory have primarily followed two paths. One leads to String Theory, which has for long been fashionable, and about which much has been written. But String Theory has become mired in problems. In this book, Jim Baggott describes "the road less travelled": an approach which takes relativity as its starting point, and leads to a structure called Loop Quantum Gravity. Baggott tells the story through the careers and pioneering work of two of the theory's most prominent contributors, Lee Smolin and Carlo Rovelli. Combining clear discussions of both quantum theory and general relativity, this book offers one of the first efforts to explain the new quantum theory of space and time.
...if you have enjoyed/got through popular science books about such areas as strings and superstrings, time, and the God particle, here is a fine addition to the oeuvre.
Table of Contents:
Preface
Prologue
Part I: Foundations
The Laws of Physics are the Same for Everyone
There’s No Such Thing as the Force of Gravity
Why Nobody Understands Quantum Mechanics
Mass Ain’t What it Used To Be
How to Fudge the Equations of the Universe
Part II: Formulation
To Get There I Wouldn’t Start From Here
A Gift From the Devil’s Grandmother
Our Second or Third Guess Solved the Equations Exactly
I Used Every Available Key Ring in Verona
Is There Really No Time Like the Present?
Part III: Elaborations
Gravitons, Holographic Physics and Why Things Fall Down
Fermions, Emergent Particles and the Nature of Stuff
Relational Quantum Mechanics and Why ‘Here’ Might Actually be ‘Over There’
Not With a Bang: the ‘Big Bounce’, Superinflation and Spinfoam Cosmology
Black Hole Entropy, the Information Paradox and Planck Stars
Close to the Edge: The Reality of Time and the Principles of the Open Future
Epilogue: A Few Questions, and Some Answers
Endnotes
Glossary
Bibliography
