Quantum R² Gravity in Two Dimensions

Two-dimensional quantum gravity with an $R^2$ term is investigated in the continuum framework. It is shown that the partition function for small area $A$ is highly suppressed by an exponential factor $exp \{ -2\pi (1-h)^2/(m^2A) \}$, where $1/m^2$ is the coefficient (times $32\pi$) of $R^2$ and $h$ is the genus of the surface. Although positivity is violated, at a short distance scale ( $\ll 1/m$) surfaces are smooth and the problem of the branched polymer is avoided.