Dynamical content of quantum diffeomorphisms in two-dimensional quantum gravity

TL;DR

This paper explores a 2D quantum gravity model based on Virasoro symmetry, revealing how space-time emerges as a homogeneous space and how quantum effects alter the role of general covariance.

Contribution

It introduces a model where space-time arises from Virasoro symmetry and shows how quantum operators affect the classical notion of space-time in 2D quantum gravity.

Findings

Space-time emerges as a homogeneous space linked to SL(2,R) symmetry.

Quantum operators L_n mix different constant curvature space-times.

Classical limit recovers a unique Minkowski space-time.

Abstract

A model for 2D-quantum gravity from the Virasoro symmetry is studied. The notion of space-time naturally arises as a homogeneous space associated with the kinematical (non-dynamical) SL(2,R) symmetry in the kernel of the Lie-algebra central extension for the critical values of the conformal anomaly. The rest of the generators in the group, L_n (n>1, n<-1), mix space-times with different constant curvature. Only in the classical limit all space-times can be identified, defining a unique Minkowski space-time, and the operators L_n (n<1, n<-1) gauged away. This process entails a restriction to SL(2,R) subrepresentations, which creates a non-trivial two-dimensional symplectic classical phase space. The present model thus suggests that the role of general covariance in quantum gravity is different from that played in the classical limit.