Conformal loop quantum gravity coupled to the Standard Model

TL;DR

This paper proposes a conformally invariant extension of general relativity coupled with the Standard Model, quantized via loop quantum gravity techniques, offering new insights into quantum space-time and the Hamiltonian constraint.

Contribution

It introduces a novel conformally invariant framework for quantum gravity coupled to the Standard Model using loop quantum gravity methods.

Findings

Mass generation via a modified Higgs mechanism

Insights into the Hamiltonian constraint in loop quantum gravity

Hints at resolving ambiguities in quantum field theory in quantum space-time

Abstract

We argue that a conformally invariant extension of general relativity coupled to the Standard Model is the fundamental theory that needs to be quantized. We show that it can be treated by loop quantum gravity techniques. Through a gauge fixing and a modified Higgs mechanism particles acquire mass and one recovers general relativity coupled to the Standard Model. The theory suggests new views with respect to the definition of the Hamiltonian constraint in loop quantum gravity, the semi-classical limit and the issue of finite renormalization in quantum field theory in quantum space-time. It also gives hints about the elimination of ambiguities that arise in quantum field theory in quantum space-time in the calculation of back-reaction.