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An Introduction to Spin Foam Models of Quantum Gravity and BF Theory

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arxiv gr-qc/9905087 v1 pith:54E5MAFR submitted 1999-05-21 gr-qc hep-thmath.QA

classification gr-qchep-thmath.QA
keywords spinfoamquantumlabelledtheorygravityedgesgeometry
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In loop quantum gravity we now have a clear picture of the quantum geometry of space, thanks in part to the theory of spin networks. The concept of `spin foam' is intended to serve as a similar picture for the quantum geometry of spacetime. In general, a spin network is a graph with edges labelled by representations and vertices labelled by intertwining operators. Similarly, a spin foam is a 2-dimensional complex with faces labelled by representations and edges labelled by intertwining operators. In a `spin foam model' we describe states as linear combinations of spin networks and compute transition amplitudes as sums over spin foams. This paper aims to provide a self-contained introduction to spin foam models of quantum gravity and a simpler field theory called BF theory.

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Cited by 9 Pith papers

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