paper

Possible astrophysical probes of quantum gravity

arXiv:gr-qc/0204092 · doi:10.1142/S0217732302007521

Abstract

A satisfactory theory of quantum gravity will very likely require modification of our classical perception of space-time, perhaps by giving it a 'foamy' structure at scales of order the Planck length. This is expected to modify the propagation of photons and other relativistic particles such as neutrinos, such that they will experience a non-trivial refractive index even in vacuo. The implied spontaneous violation of Lorentz invariance may also result in alterations of kinematical thresholds for key astrophysical processes involving high energy cosmic radiation. We discuss experimental probes of these possible manifestations of the fundamental quantum nature of space-time using observations of distant astrophysical sources such as gamma-ray bursts and active galactic nuclei.

11 pages, 3 figures (MPL LaTeX style); Invited talk at the ``First IUCAA Meeting on the Interface of Gravitational and Quantum Realms'', Pune, 17-21 December 2001; Changes: Fig.3 now correctly attibuted to Liberati, Jacobson & Mattigly

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