The Impact of Quantum Cosmology on Quantum Field Theory

TL;DR

This paper explores how quantum cosmology influences quantum field theory by analyzing quantum amplitudes for gauge fields and gravity with boundary conditions, advancing understanding of quantum states of the universe.

Contribution

It introduces new insights into the quantum states of the universe by analyzing boundary conditions in quantum cosmology for gauge fields and gravity.

Findings

Boundary conditions affect quantum amplitudes in Maxwell theory and gravity.

Faddeev-Popov formalism and zeta-function regularization are effective tools.

Enhanced understanding of quantum states with boundaries in cosmology.

Abstract

The basic problem of quantum cosmology is the definition of the quantum state of the universe, with appropriate boundary conditions on Riemannian three-geometries. This paper describes recent progress in the corresponding analysis of quantum amplitudes for Euclidean Maxwell theory and linearized gravity. Within the framework of Faddeev-Popov formalism and zeta-function regularization, various choices of mixed boundary conditions lead to a deeper understanding of quantized gauge fields and quantum gravity in the presence of boundaries.