On the quantum structure of space-time, gravity, and higher spin in matrix models

TL;DR

This paper reviews how Yang-Mills matrix models can describe a quantum space-time with higher-spin fields, including gravitons, providing a consistent framework that avoids Lorentz violation and incorporates gravity.

Contribution

It introduces a framework where space-time and higher-spin fields are unified within matrix models, leading to a ghost-free, consistent quantum space-time structure.

Findings

A specific quantum space-time solution with internal structure.

Emergence of metric perturbations including gravitons.

A ghost-free higher-spin gauge theory derived from matrix models.

Abstract

In this introductory review, we argue that a quantum structure of space-time naturally entails a higher-spin theory, to avoid significant Lorentz violation. A suitable framework is provided by Yang-Mills matrix models, which allow to consider space-time as a physical system, which is treated on the same footing as the fields that live on it. We discuss a specific quantum space-time solution, whose internal structure leads to a consistent and ghost-free higher-spin gauge theory. The spin 2 modes give rise to metric perturbations, which include the standard gravitons as well as the linearized Schwarzschild solution.