Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-1997

Abstract

We present an implementation of the loop representation of quantum gravity on a square lattice. Instead of starting from a classical lattice theory, quantizing, and introducing loops, we proceed backwards, setting up constraints in the lattice loop representation and showing that they have appropriate (singular) continuum limits and algebras. The diffeomorphism constraint reproduces the classical algebra in the continuum and has as solutions lattice analogues of usual knot invariants. We discuss some of the invariants stemming from Chern-Simons theory in the lattice context, including the issue of framing. We also present a regularization of the Hamiltonian constraint. We show that two knot invariants from Chern-Simons theory are annihilated by the Hamiltonian constraint through the use of their skein relations, including intersections. We also discuss the issue of intersections with kinks. This paper is the first step towards setting up the loop representation in a rigorous, computable setting. © 1997 The American Physical Society.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Physical Review D - Particles, Fields, Gravitation and Cosmology

First Page

2127

Last Page

2143

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