Quantum gravity and the zero point length

TL;DR

This paper reviews quantum gravity issues, introduces a path integral duality linked to string theory, and discusses the universal presence of a zero point length affecting phenomena like black holes and electrodynamics.

Contribution

It proposes a universal zero point length in quantum geometry derived from path integral duality, connecting quantum gravity phenomenology with a single fundamental parameter.

Findings

Zero point length $L_0$ influences quantum gravity phenomenology.

Path integral duality aligns with T-duality in string theory.

Effects of $L_0$ are relevant in strong electrodynamics and black holes.

Abstract

In this paper, we present an overview of some of the existing issues of the research in quantum gravity. We also introduce the basic ideas that led Padmanabhan to consider a duality property in path integrals. Such a duality is consistent with the T-duality in string theory. More importantly, the path integral duality discloses a universal feature of any quantum geometry, namely the existence of a zero point length $L_0$. We also comment about recent developments aiming to expose effects of the zero point length in strong electrodynamics and black holes. There are reasons to believe that the main characters of the phenomenology of quantum gravity may be described by means of a single parameter like $L_0$.