Spin Foam Models of Quantum Gravity

Abstract

We give a short review of the spin foam models of quantum gravity, with an emphasis on the Barret-Crane model. After explaining the shortcomings of the Barret-Crane model, we briefly discuss two new approaches, one based on the 3d spin foam state sum invariants for the embedded spin networks, and the other based on representing the string scattering amplitudes as 2d spin foam state sum invariants.

6 pages, talk at the Balkan Workshop 2003, 29 Aug. - 2 Sept. Vrnjacka Banja, Serbia