On Generalised Statistical Equilibrium and Discrete Quantum Gravity

This thesis explores the foundations of generalising equilibrium statistical mechanics to background-independent systems,applying it to non-perturbative discrete quantum gravity. It discusses the interface of thermal physics and quantum gravity,providing a contextualisation of these topics. It also investigates quantum gravitational Gibbs states, thermofield double vacuum states, and their application in condensate cosmology to probe Big Bang singularity resolution and geometric inflation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 180 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Standard thermal physics relies on the concepts of time and energy, while background-independent systems lack these fundamental elements. This thesis delves into the fundamental question of generalising equilibrium statistical mechanics to such systems, and applies the resulting formulation to non-perturbative discrete quantum gravity. By examining the interplay between thermal physics and quantum gravity within this context, it offers a comprehensive contextualisation of these topics. This work showcases how standard tools from many-body physics can be extended to discrete quantum gravity, characterised by graph-based or dual polyhedral quanta, which are common to various approaches such as tensorial group field theory, loop quantum gravity, dynamical triangulations, and lattice quantum gravity. It conducts a systematic investigation into quantum gravitational Gibbs states, thermofield double vacuum states, and their application in condensate cosmology to address questions related to Big Bang singularity resolution and geometric inflation.

Standard thermal physics relies on the concepts of time and energy, while background-independent systems lack these fundamental elements. This thesis delves into the fundamental question of generalising equilibrium statistical mechanics to such systems, and applies the resulting formulation to non-perturbative discrete quantum gravity. By examining the interplay between thermal physics and quantum gravity within this context, it offers a comprehensive contextualisation of these topics. This work showcases how standard tools from many-body physics can be extended to discrete quantum gravity, characterised by graph-based or dual polyhedral quanta, which are common to various approaches such as tensorial group field theory, loop quantum gravity, dynamical triangulations, and lattice quantum gravity. It conducts a systematic investigation into quantum gravitational Gibbs states, thermofield double vacuum states, and their application in condensate cosmology to address questions related to Big Bang singularity resolution and geometric inflation.

Weight: 314g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030909710
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022