Quantum corrections to the geodesic equation

Any acceptable quantum gravity theory must allow us to recover the classical spacetime in the appropriate limit. Moreover, the spacetime geometrical notions should be intrinsically tied to the behavior of the matter that probes them. We consider some difficulties that would be confronted in attempting such an enterprise. The problems we uncover seem to go beyond the technical level to the point of questioning the overall feasibility of the project. The main issue is related t...

This pre-print contains the abstracts of seminars (including key references) presented at the ESI workshop on mathematical problems in quantum gravity held during July and August of 1996. Contributors include A. Ashtekar, J. Baez, F. Barbero, A. Barvinsky, F. Embacher, R. Gambini, D. Giulini, J. Halliwell, T. Jacobson, R. Loll, D. Marolf, K. Meissner, R. Myers, J. Pullin, M. Reisenberger, C. Rovelli, T. Strobl and T. Thiemann. While these contributions cover most of the talks...

We study the derivation of the effective equation of motion for a pointlike particle in the framework of quantum gravity. Just like the geodesic motion of a classical particle is a consequence of classical field theory coupled to general relativity, we introduce the similar notion of an effective equation of motion, but starting from an abstract quantum gravity description. In the presence of entanglement between gravity and matter, quantum effects give rise to modifications ...

The issue of whether some manifestations of gravitation in the quantum domain, are indicative or not of a non-geometrical aspect in gravitation is discussed. We examine some examples that have been considered in this context, providing a critical analysis of previous interpretations. The analysis of these examples is illustrative about certain details in the interpretation of quantum mechanics. We conclude that there are, at this time, no indications of such departure from th...

We give an introduction to the canonical formalism of Einstein's theory of general relativity. This then serves as the starting point for one approach to quantum gravity called quantum geometrodynamics. The main features and applications of this approach are briefly summarized.

This is an introduction to quantum gravity, aimed at a fairly general audience and concentrating on what have historically two main approaches to quantum gravity: the covariant and canonical programs (string theory is not covered). The quantization of gravity is discussed by analogy with the quantization of the electromagnetic field. The conceptual and technical problems of both approaches are discussed, and the paper concludes with a discussion of evidence for quantum gravit...

In this talk I review a series of recent conceptual developments at the interface of the quantum and gravitational realms. Wherever possible, I comment on the possibility to probe the interface experimentally. It is concluded that the underlying spacetime for a quantum theory of gravity must be non-commutative, that wave-particle duality suffers significant modification at the Planck scale, and that the latter forbids probing spacetime below Planck length. Furthermore, study ...

To date, both quantum theory, and Einstein's theory of general relativity have passed every experimental test in their respective regimes. Nevertheless, almost since their inception, there has been debate surrounding whether they should be unified and by now there exists strong theoretical arguments pointing to the necessity of quantising the gravitational field. In recent years, a number of experiments have been proposed which, if successful, should give insight into feature...

The incompatibility between GR and QM is generally seen as a sufficient motivation for the development of a theory of Quantum Gravity. If - so a typical argumentation - QM gives a universally valid basis for the description of all natural systems, then the gravitational field should have quantum properties. Together with the arguments against semi-classical theories of gravity, this leads to a strategy which takes a quantization of GR as the natural avenue to Quantum Gravity....

I give a pedagogical explanation of what it is about quantization that makes general relativity go from being a nearly perfect classical theory to a very problematic quantum one. I also explain why some quantization of gravity is unavoidable, why quantum field theories have divergences, why the divergences of quantum general relativity are worse than those of the other forces, what physicists think this means and what they might do with a consistent theory of quantum gravity ...