Jerzy Lewandowski

Bio: Jerzy Lewandowski is an academic researcher from University of Warsaw. The author has contributed to research in topics: Quantum gravity & Loop quantum gravity. The author has an hindex of 46, co-authored 201 publications receiving 13291 citations. Previous affiliations of Jerzy Lewandowski include University of Florida & Syracuse University.

Coherent 3 j -symbol representation for the loop quantum gravity intertwiner space

Abstract: We introduce a new technique for dealing with the matrix elements of the Hamiltonian operator in loop quantum gravity, based on the use of intertwiners projected on coherent states of angular momentum. We give explicit expressions for the projections of intertwiners on the spin coherent states in terms of complex numbers describing the unit vectors which label the coherent states. Operators such as the Hamiltonian can then be reformulated as differential operators acting on polynomials of these complex numbers. This makes it possible to describe the action of the Hamiltonian geometrically, in terms of the unit vectors originating from the angular momentum coherent states, and opens up a way towards investigating the semiclassical limit of the dynamics via asymptotic approximation methods.

Variations of the parallel propagator and holonomy operator and the Gauss law constraint

Abstract: A simple derivation is presented of the equations for the variation of the parallel propagator and the holonomy operators of Yang–Mills (YM) connections caused by variations of both the connection and the path. The derivation does not make any direct use of functional derivatives and is based on the solution of the varied parallel transport equation. In particular, the different forms that these equations take for a two parameter family of curves in E3 are discussed. As an example of this formalism, it is shown how any congruence defines a solution of the Hamilton–Jacobi version of the Gauss law constraint of YM theories, or equivalently, of the Dirac quantum‐Gauss law constraint.

Completeness of Wilson loop functionals on the moduli space of $SL(2,C)$ and $SU(1,1)$-connections

Abstract: The structure of the moduli spaces $\M := \A/\G$ of (all, not just flat) $SL(2,C)$ and $SU(1,1)$ connections on a n-manifold is analysed. For any topology on the corresponding spaces $\A$ of all connections which satisfies the weak requirement of compatibility with the affine structure of $\A$, the moduli space $\M$ is shown to be non-Hausdorff. It is then shown that the Wilson loop functionals --i.e., the traces of holonomies of connections around closed loops-- are complete in the sense that they suffice to separate all separable points of $\M$. The methods are general enough to allow the underlying n-manifold to be topologically non-trivial and for connections to be defined on non-trivial bundles. The results have implications for canonical quantum general relativity in 4 and 3 dimensions.

Feynman diagrammatic approach to spin foams

Abstract: "The Spin Foams for People Without the 3d/4d Imagination" could be an alternative title of our work. We derive spin foams from operator spin network diagrams} we introduce. Our diagrams are the spin network analogy of the Feynman diagrams. Their framework is compatible with the framework of Loop Quantum Gravity. For every operator spin network diagram we construct a corresponding operator spin foam. Admitting all the spin networks of LQG and all possible diagrams leads to a clearly defined large class of operator spin foams. In this way our framework provides a proposal for a class of 2-cell complexes that should be used in the spin foam theories of LQG. Within this class, our diagrams are just equivalent to the spin foams. The advantage, however, in the diagram framework is, that it is self contained, all the amplitudes can be calculated directly from the diagrams without explicit visualization of the corresponding spin foams. The spin network diagram operators and amplitudes are consistently defined on their own. Each diagram encodes all the combinatorial information. We illustrate applications of our diagrams: we introduce a diagram definition of Rovelli's surface amplitudes as well as of the canonical transition amplitudes. Importantly, our operator spin network diagrams are defined in a sufficiently general way to accommodate all the versions of the EPRL or the FK model, as well as other possible models. The diagrams are also compatible with the structure of the LQG Hamiltonian operators, what is an additional advantage. Finally, a scheme for a complete definition of a spin foam theory by declaring a set of interaction vertices emerges from the examples presented at the end of the paper.

Quantum isolated horizons and black hole entropy

Abstract: We give a short introduction to the approaches currently used to describe black holes in loop quantum gravity. We will concentrate on the classical issues related to the modeling of black holes as isolated horizons, give a short discussion of their canonical quantization by using loop quantum gravity techniques, and a description of the combinatorial methods necessary to solve the counting problems involved in the computation of the entropy.

Background independent quantum gravity: A Status report

Abstract: The goal of this review is to present an introduction to loop quantum gravity—a background-independent, non-perturbative approach to the problem of unification of general relativity and quantum physics, based on a quantum theory of geometry. Our presentation is pedagogical. Thus, in addition to providing a bird's eye view of the present status of the subject, the review should also serve as a vehicle to enter the field and explore it in detail. To aid non-experts, very little is assumed beyond elements of general relativity, gauge theories and quantum field theory. While the review is essentially self-contained, the emphasis is on communicating the underlying ideas and the significance of results rather than on presenting systematic derivations and detailed proofs. (These can be found in the listed references.) The subject can be approached in different ways. We have chosen one which is deeply rooted in well-established physics and also has sufficient mathematical precision to ensure that there are no hidden infinities. In order to keep the review to a reasonable size, and to avoid overwhelming non-experts, we have had to leave out several interesting topics, results and viewpoints; this is meant to be an introduction to the subject rather than an exhaustive review of it.

Quantum Nature of the Big Bang: Improved dynamics

Abstract: An improved Hamiltonian constraint operator is introduced in loop quantum cosmology. Quantum dynamics of the spatially flat, isotropic model with a massless scalar field is then studied in detail using analytical and numerical methods. The scalar field continues to serve as ''emergent time'', the big bang is again replaced by a quantum bounce, and quantum evolution remains deterministic across the deep Planck regime. However, while with the Hamiltonian constraint used so far in loop quantum cosmology the quantum bounce can occur even at low matter densities, with the new Hamiltonian constraint it occurs only at a Planck-scale density. Thus, the new quantum dynamics retains the attractive features of current evolutions in loop quantum cosmology but, at the same time, cures their main weakness.

Loop Quantum Cosmology: A Status Report

Abstract: Loop quantum cosmology (LQC) is the result of applying principles of loop quantum gravity (LQG) to cosmological settings. The distinguishing feature of LQC is the prominent role played by the quantum geometry effects of LQG. In particular, quantum geometry creates a brand new repulsive force which is totally negligible at low spacetime curvature but rises very rapidly in the Planck regime, overwhelming the classical gravitational attraction. In cosmological models, while Einstein's equations hold to an excellent degree of approximation at low curvature, they undergo major modifications in the Planck regime: for matter satisfying the usual energy conditions, any time a curvature invariant grows to the Planck scale, quantum geometry effects dilute it, thereby resolving singularities of general relativity. Quantum geometry corrections become more sophisticated as the models become richer. In particular, in anisotropic models, there are significant changes in the dynamics of shear potentials which tame their singular behavior in striking contrast to older results on anisotropies in bouncing models. Once singularities are resolved, the conceptual paradigm of cosmology changes and one has to revisit many of the standard issues—e.g. the 'horizon problem'—from a new perspective. Such conceptual issues as well as potential observational consequences of the new Planck scale physics are being explored, especially within the inflationary paradigm. These considerations have given rise to a burst of activity in LQC in recent years, with contributions from quantum gravity experts, mathematical physicists and cosmologists. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of the current state of the art in LQC for three sets of audiences: young researchers interested in entering this area; the quantum gravity community in general and cosmologists who wish to apply LQC to probe modifications in the standard paradigm of the early universe. In this review, effort has been made to streamline the material so that each of these communities can read only the sections they are most interested in, without loss of continuity.