Henderson video: spinfoam approach to cosmology

[marcus]

Henderson gives a good talk. He's been working with Abhay Ashtekar on reformulating loop cosmology as a spinfoam-like path integral---also using GFT (group field theory) where a parameter shows up that may have physical interest (possible connection with the cosmological constant). He got questions from several people including Lee Smolin and Laurent Freidel--discussion at the end added to the presentation.

http://pirsa.org/10050018/
Loop Quantum Cosmology and Spin Foams
Adam Henderson
13/05/2010
"Loop quantum gravity and spin foams are two closely related theories of quantum gravity. There is an expectation that the sum over histories or path integral formulation of LQG will take the form of a spin foam, although a rigorous connection between the two is available only in 2+1 gravity. Understanding the relation between them will resolve many open questions of both theories. We probe the connection through an exactly soluble model of loop quantum cosmology. Beginning from the canonical theory we construct a spin foam like expansion of LQC. This construction reveals a number of insights into spin foams including the nature of the continuum limit."

 

[AndyW]

Dear forum members,

Thank you for your interest in my recent talk on loop quantum cosmology and spin foams. I am excited to share some of the new developments in this field and how they may potentially shed light on the nature of quantum gravity.

As mentioned, I have been collaborating with Abhay Ashtekar on reformulating loop cosmology as a spinfoam-like path integral. This approach allows us to bridge the gap between loop quantum gravity and spin foams, and potentially solve some of the outstanding issues in both theories. Our use of group field theory (GFT) has also revealed a new parameter that may have physical implications, particularly in relation to the cosmological constant.

During the discussion at the end of my presentation, I received questions and feedback from esteemed physicists such as Lee Smolin and Laurent Freidel. Their insights and critiques have helped us further refine our approach and deepen our understanding of the connection between loop quantum cosmology and spin foams.

I am excited to continue exploring this fascinating area of research and hope to share more updates with you in the future. Thank you again for your interest and I welcome any further discussions or questions on this topic.


Adam Henderson