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Topics in Quantum Gravity

Citation

Trivedi, Sandip Parimal (1990) Topics in Quantum Gravity. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/61k5-xm10. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:03182015-100539813

Abstract

We study some aspects of conformal field theory, wormhole physics and two-dimensional random surfaces. Inspite of being rather different, these topics serve as examples of the issues that are involved, both at high and low energy scales, in formulating a quantum theory of gravity. In conformal field theory we show that fusion and braiding properties can be used to determine the operator product coefficients of the non-diagonal Wess-Zumino-Witten models. In wormhole physics we show how Coleman's proposed probability distribution would result in wormholes determining the value of θQCD. We attempt such a calculation and find the most probable value of θQCD to be π. This hints at a potential conflict with nature. In random surfaces we explore the behaviour of conformal field theories coupled to gravity and calculate some partition functions and correlation functions. Our results throw some light on the transition that is believed to occur when the central charge of the matter theory gets larger than one.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:Physics
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy
Major Option:Physics
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Preskill, John P.
Group:Caltech Theory
Thesis Committee:
  • Unknown, Unknown
Defense Date:24 May 1990
Record Number:CaltechTHESIS:03182015-100539813
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:03182015-100539813
DOI:10.7907/61k5-xm10
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:8782
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Benjamin Perez
Deposited On:19 Mar 2015 15:26
Last Modified:09 Nov 2022 19:20

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