Related papers: Geometry and observables in (2+1)-gravity

We develop a Hamiltonian description of point particles in (2+1)-dimensions using connection and frame-field variables for general relativity. The topology of each spatial hypersurface is that of a punctured two-sphere with particles…

In [1,2] we established and discussed the algebra of observables for $2+1$ gravity at both the classical and quantum level, and gave a systematic discussion of the reduction of the expected number of independent observables to $6g - 6 (g >…

We propose an exact Hamiltonian lattice theory for (2+1)-dimensional spacetimes with homogeneous curvature. By gauging away the lattice we find a generalization of the ``polygon representation'' of (2+1)-dimensional gravity. We compute the…

A three dimensional generally covariant theory is described that has a 2+1 canonical decomposition in which the Hamiltonian constraint, which generates the dynamics, is absent. Physical observables for the theory are described and the…

The 2+1+1 decomposition of space-time is useful in monitoring the temporal evolution of gravitational perturbations/waves in space-times with a spatial direction singled-out by symmetries. Such an approach based on a perpendicular double…

Hamiltonian gravity, relying on arbitrary choices of "space," can obscure spacetime symmetries. We present an alternative, manifestly spacetime covariant formulation that nonetheless distinguishes between "spatial" and "temporal" variables.…

By explicit construction, we show that one can in a simple way introduce and measure gravitational holonomies and Wilson loops in lattice formulations of nonperturbative quantum gravity based on (Causal) Dynamical Triangulations. We use…

{\sl A Hamiltonian framework for 2+1 dimensional gravity coupled with matter (satisfying positive energy conditions) is considered in the asymptotically flat context. It is shown that the total energy of the system is non-negative,…

The role of the modular group in the holonomy representation of (2+1)-dimensional quantum gravity is studied. This representation can be viewed as a "Heisenberg picture", and for simple topologies, the transformation to the ADM…

In a suitably chosen essentially unique frame tied to a given observer in a general spacetime, the equation of geodesic deviation can be decomposed into a sum of terms describing specific effects: isotropic (background) motions associated…

Using a 3+1 decomposition of spacetime, we derive a new formula to compute the gravitational light shifts as measured by two observers which are normal to the spacelike hypersurfaces defining the foliation. This formula is quite general and…

Proposals that quantum gravity gives rise to non-commutative spacetime geometry and deformations of Poincare symmetry are examined in the context of (2+1)-dimensional quantum gravity. The results are expressed in five lessons, which…

The geometric foundations of General Relativity are revisited, with particular attention to its gauge invariance, as a key to understanding the true nature of spacetime. Beyond the common image of spacetime as a deformable 'fabric' filling…

A set of diverse but mutually consistent results obtained in different settings has spawned a new view of loop quantum gravity and its physical implications, based on the interplay of operator calculations and effective theory: Quantum…

From general relativity we have learned the principles of general covariance and local Lorentz invariance, which follow from the fact that we consider observables as tensors on a spacetime manifold whose geometry is modeled by a Lorentzian…

In three spacetime dimensions, general relativity drastically simplifies, becoming a ``topological'' theory with no propagating local degrees of freedom. Nevertheless, many of the difficult conceptual problems of quantizing gravity are…

We develop a generic spacetime model in General Relativity which can be used to build any gravitational model within General Relativity. The generic model uses two types of assumptions: (a) Geometric assumptions additional to the inherent…

This is intended as an analysis of the global properties of static and stationary spacetimes with complete (timelike) Killing field, with particular attention to quotients by group actions. This is presented in terms of algebraic structures…

We establish the relation between the ISO(2,1) homotopy invariants and the polygon representation of (2+1)-dimensional gravity. The polygon closure conditions, together with the SO(2,1) cycle conditions, are equivalent to the ISO(2,1) cycle…

We investigate, in the framework of (2+1) dimensional gravity, stationary, rotationally symmetric gravitational sources of the perfect fluid type, embedded in a space of arbitrary cosmological constant. We show that the matching conditions…