Quantum theory of asymptotically flat spacetimes

TL;DR

This paper develops a quantum framework for asymptotically flat spacetimes using the Null Surface Formulation, defining quantum operators for spacetime metrics and demonstrating graviton scattering.

Contribution

It introduces a novel quantum formulation of asymptotically flat spacetimes via NSF, linking null data to quantum operators for the metric.

Findings

Defined free-field commutation relations at null infinity

Constructed quantum operators for spacetime metrics

Demonstrated non-trivial graviton scattering

Abstract

A quantum theory of asymptotically flat space-times is presented using the solutions of the Null Surface Formulation (NSF) field equations in a perturbative scheme. Free-field commutation relations are given for the null free data of NSF at future or past null infinity, and the main variables of NSF are then used to define the interior points of the space-time as labels and the metric of the space-time as a derived quantum operator. A non-trivial scattering of gravitons is given.