Shape in an atom of space: Exploring quantum geometry phenomenology

Type of Work

Article

Date

2010

Journal Title

Classical and Quantum Gravity

Journal ISSN

0264-9381

Journal Volume

27

DOI

10.1088/0264-9381/27/22/225012

Abstract

A phenomenology for the deep spatial geometry of loop quantum gravity is introduced. In the context of a simple model of an atom of space, it is shown how purely combinatorial structures can affect observations. The angle operator is used to develop a model of angular corrections to local, continuum flat-space 3-geometries. The physical effects involve neither breaking of local Lorentz invariance nor Planck-scale suppression, but rather only rely on the combinatorics of SU(2) recoupling. Bhabha scattering is discussed as an example of how the effects might be observationally accessible.

Hamilton Areas of Study

Physics

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