Emergent Braided Matter of Quantum Geometry

TL;DR

This paper reviews and advances the theory that matter particles emerge as braid excitations within quantum geometric networks, connecting quantum gravity models with particle physics through topological structures.

Contribution

It presents new results on the convergence of two schemes of braid excitations, linking quantum geometry with Standard Model particles and interactions.

Findings

Successful correspondence between braids and Standard Model particles

Development of a dynamical theory of braid interactions

Potential unification of two braid schemes into a fundamental matter theory

Abstract

We review and present a few new results of the program of emergent matter as braid excitations of quantum geometry that is represented by braided ribbon networks. These networks are a generalisation of the spin networks proposed by Penrose and those in models of background independent quantum gravity theories, such as Loop Quantum Gravity and Spin Foam models. This program has been developed in two parallel but complimentary schemes, namely the trivalent and tetravalent schemes. The former studies the braids on trivalent braided ribbon networks, while the latter investigates the braids on tetravalent braided ribbon networks. Both schemes have been fruitful. The trivalent scheme has been quite successful at establishing a correspondence between braids and Standard Model particles, whereas the tetravalent scheme has naturally substantiated a rich, dynamical theory of interactions and propagation of braids, which is ruled by topological conservation laws. Some recent advances in the program indicate that the two schemes may converge to yield a fundamental theory of matter in quantum spacetime.