Published March 11, 1981 | Version v1
Journal article

Stochastic quantization of geometrodynamic curved space-time

  • 1. Toronto Univ., Ontario (Canada). Dept. of Mathematics

Description

It is proposed that quantum rather than classical test particles be used in recent operational definitions of space-time. In the resulting quantum space-time the role of test particle trajectories is taken over by propagators. The introduced co-ordinate values are stochastic rather than deterministic, the afore-mentioned propagators providing probability amplitudes describing fluctuations of measured co-ordinates around their mean values. It is shown that, if a geometrodynamic point of view based on 3 + 1 foliations of space-time is adopted, self-consistent families of propagators for quantum test particles in free fall can be constructed. The resulting formalism for quantum space-time is outlined and the quantization of spatially flat Robertson-Walker space-times is provided as an illustration. (author)

Additional details

Publishing Information

Journal Title
Nuovo Cim., B
Journal Volume
62
Journal Issue
1
Series
Nuovo Cim., B.
Journal Page Range
17-30
ISSN
0369-3554

INIS

Country of Publication
Italy
Country of Input or Organization
Italy
INIS RN
14762593
Subject category
S71: CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSICS;
Descriptors DEI
GRAVITATION; PROBABILITY; PROPAGATOR; QUANTUM FIELD THEORY; SPACE-TIME; STOCHASTIC PROCESSES
Descriptors DEC
FIELD THEORIES

Optional Information

Notes
50 refs.