Three functions in dilaton gravity: The good, the bad and the muggy

TL;DR

This paper reviews two-dimensional dilaton gravity focusing on three distinct potentials that influence classical, semi-classical, and nonperturbative quantum effects, providing a conceptual framework for understanding their roles.

Contribution

It introduces a classification of dilaton potentials into three categories, highlighting their different impacts on the physics of two-dimensional dilaton gravity.

Findings

Classifies dilaton potentials into good, muggy, and bad categories.

Links each potential type to specific physical regimes and effects.

Provides a conceptual framework for future research in quantum gravity.

Abstract

Dilaton gravity in two dimensions is briefly reviewed from the perspective of three dilaton potentials: One determines classical physics ("the good", denoted by w), the second is relevant for semi-classical (and quantum) effects ("the muggy", denoted by I) and the third could be responsible for nonperturbative quantum effects ("the bad", denoted by Z). This paper is based upon lectures given in Cernowitz in October/November 2002 at The XIV International Hutsulian Workshop Mathematical Theories and their Physical and Technical Applications.