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 |