Spin foams

TL;DR

This paper introduces spin foam models as a covariant approach to quantum gravity, explaining their role in defining quantum spacetime dynamics through a path integral formulation.

Contribution

It offers a foundational overview of spin foam theory tailored for beginners and broader audiences, clarifying its significance in quantum gravity research.

Findings

Provides a basic introduction to spin foam models

Explains the path integral approach to quantum spacetime

Aims to make the concept accessible to new researchers

Abstract

The spin foam framework provides a way to define the dynamics of canonical loop quantum gravity in a spacetime covariant way, by using a path integral over histories of quantum states which can be interpreted as `quantum space-times'. This chapter provides a basic introduction to spin foams aimed principally at beginning graduate students and, where possible, at broader audiences.