PHYSICS SEMINAR
The Nature of Space, the Beginning of the Universe and the Surface of a Black Hole
A Brief Introduction to Loop Quantum Gravity
Edward Wilson-Ewing
Centre de Physique Théorique
Université d'Aix-Marseille
Friday, January 13, 2012
1:30 p.m.
Nicolls 213
Abstract
I will introduce the main principles behind the theory of loop quantum gravity, an attempt to combine the twin revolutions of 20th century physics: quantum mechanics and general relativity. I will present some of the main results of the theory of loop quantum gravity and explain what these results say about questions regarding the nature of space, of how the universe began and what the surface of a black hole might look like. More precisely, I will describe how space is composed of "atoms" of space, how the universe "bounced" and how the surface of a black hole is made of "hairs." I will end by explaining how we hope to test this theory by precise telescope observations.
This talk is sponsored by the Speaker's Committee.
