Loop Quantum Gravity For Everyone

Description

Loop quantum gravity is one of the main contenders to unify Einstein's general theory of relativity and quantum mechanics, therefore providing a quantum theory of gravity. If these words do not mean much to you, do not worry, we will define them in simple terms. This book describes loops quantum gravity and its applications to cosmology, black holes and spin foams without using formulas. It is concise and has a light style that makes for easy reading yet covering many of the cutting-edge developments in the field. It also addresses some of the controversies that surround these topics as they are incomplete science. Preface Acknowledgments Contents 1 Introduction 2 Gravitation 3 The quantum theory 4 Loop quantum gravity 5. Application: Black holes 6. Application: Cosmology 7. Further developments: Spin foams 8. Possible observable consequences? 9. Conclusions Index