Issues in Quantum Gravity

University Of California-Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara CA

Investigators

Abstract

The main portion of this research project addresses fundamental questions about the nature of space and time. It is part of a broad effort shared by many researchers who are building the structures we need to understand more about both the beginning of our universe and what happens at the center of black holes. Some researchers believe that these answers will lead to many others, and eventually to a complete theory of physics that explains the detailed structure of our universe. A number of specific technical questions will be investigated, relating to various approaches. Some of these develop mathematical tools for the so-called `loop approach' to quantum gravity. Others relate to the possibility that our universe may have more than the three space and one time dimensions that we see. For example, this idea is part of the approach known as `string theory.' Finally, some investigations use the laws of physics to place constraints on the way that space and time can curve and warp.