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Quantum Space-Times

Beyond the Continuum of Minkowski and Einstein

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Minkowski Spacetime: A Hundred Years Later

Part of the book series: Fundamental Theories of Physics ((FTPH,volume 165))

Abstract

In general relativity space-time ends at singularities. The big bang is considered as the Beginning and the big crunch, the End. However these conclusions are arrived at by using general relativity in regimes which lie well beyond its physical domain of validity. Examples where detailed analysis is possible show that these singularities are naturally resolved by quantum geometry effects. Quantum space-times can be vastly larger than what Einstein had us believe. These non-trivial space-time extensions enable us to answer of some long standing questions and resolve of some puzzles in fundamental physics. Thus, a century after Minkowski’s revolutionary ideas on the nature of space and time, yet another paradigm shift appears to await us in the wings.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos and Physics Department Penn State, University Park, PA, 16802, USA

    Abhay Ashtekar

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  1. Abhay Ashtekar
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Correspondence to Abhay Ashtekar .

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  1. Liberal Arts College, Concordia University, de Maisonneuve Blvd. West 1455, Montreal, H3G 1M8, Canada

    Vesselin Petkov

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Ashtekar, A. (2010). Quantum Space-Times. In: Petkov, V. (eds) Minkowski Spacetime: A Hundred Years Later. Fundamental Theories of Physics, vol 165. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-3475-5_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-3475-5_7

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