×

The quantum theory of general relativity at low energies. (English) Zbl 0859.53054

Summary: In quantum field theory there is now a well developed technique, effective field theory, which allows one to obtain low energy quantum predictions in “non-renormalizable” theories, using only the degrees of freedom and interactions appropriate for those energies. Whether or not general relativity is truly fundamental, at low energies it is automatically described as a quantum effective field theory and this allows a consistent framework for quantum gravity at ordinary energies. I briefly describe the nature and limits of the technique.

MSC:

53Z05 Applications of differential geometry to physics
81T20 Quantum field theory on curved space or space-time backgrounds
83C47 Methods of quantum field theory in general relativity and gravitational theory