The search for the universality class of metric quantum gravity

TL;DR

This paper classifies possible universality classes of diffeomorphism-invariant metric quantum gravity theories using renormalization group ideas, potentially impacting the asymptotic safety conjecture.

Contribution

It introduces a framework for classifying quantum gravity theories based on axioms and renormalization group concepts, offering new insights into their universality classes.

Findings

Proposes a classification scheme for quantum gravity universality classes.

Provides arguments that could influence the understanding of asymptotic safety.

Connects ideas from statistical mechanics and quantum field theory to quantum gravity.

Abstract

On the basis of a limited number of reasonable axioms, we discuss the classification of all the possible universality classes of diffeomorphisms invariant metric theories of quantum gravity. We use the language of the renormalization group and adopt several ideas which originate in the context of statistical mechanics and quantum field theory. Our discussion leads to several ideas that could affect the status of the asymptotic safety conjecture of quantum gravity and give universal arguments towards its proof.