Topology and Volume Effects in Quantum Gravity: Wheeler-DeWitt Theory
arXiv:1312.1739 · doi:10.1088/0264-9381/31/9/095011
Abstract
We consider the quantization of space-times which can possess different topologies within a symmetry reduced version of Wheeler-DeWitt theory. The quantum states are defined from a natural decomposition as an outer-product of a topological state, dictating the topology of the two-surfaces of the space-time, and a geometric state, which controls the geometry and is comprised of solutions to the Wheeler-DeWitt constraints. Within this symmetry reduced theory an eigenvalue equation is derived for the two-volume of spacetime, which for spherical topology is fixed to a value of . However, for the other topologies it is found that the spectrum can be \emph{discrete} and hence the universe, if in one of these other topological states, may only possess certain possible values for the two-volume, whereas classically all values are allowed. We analyze this result in the context of pure gravity (black holes).
15 pages, 5 figures. New version has some clarifications and minor typographical corrections. Updated version also includes a short appendix on the geometry and topology of the sub-spaces. Matches version accepted for publication in Classical and Quantum Gravity
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