A Lattice Physics Approach to Spin-Networks in Loop Quantum Gravity

Fuente: arXiv
Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Author: MacKay, Noah M.
Format: Preprint
Published: 2025
Subjects:
Online Access:
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
_version_ 1866911066545455104
author MacKay, Noah M.
author_facet MacKay, Noah M.
contents In this study, we model a spin-network in loop quantum gravity as a regular tetrahedral lattice, applying lattice physics techniques to study its structure and vertex dynamics. Using the area eigenvalue, $A\propto 8πl_P^2$, we derive a lattice constant $a = 2.707\,l_P$ and construct a vertex Hamiltonian incorporating a Lennard-Jones potential, zero-point energy, and simple harmonic oscillations. A foliation approach enforces the Wheeler-DeWitt constraint via locally non-zero Hamiltonians that globally cancel. Graviton-like perturbations (treated here as spin-0 bosons) modify the vertex energy spectrum, with variational analysis suggesting twelve coherent excitations per vertex. This model frames flat spacetime as a graviton-rich lattice while enforcing a Brownian-like stochastic picture for the gravitons, and offers a basis for extension into curved quantum geometries.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2507_14630
institution arXiv
publishDate 2025
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle A Lattice Physics Approach to Spin-Networks in Loop Quantum Gravity
MacKay, Noah M.
General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology
Other Condensed Matter
High Energy Physics - Theory
37C86, 81Q35, 82D03, 83C27
In this study, we model a spin-network in loop quantum gravity as a regular tetrahedral lattice, applying lattice physics techniques to study its structure and vertex dynamics. Using the area eigenvalue, $A\propto 8πl_P^2$, we derive a lattice constant $a = 2.707\,l_P$ and construct a vertex Hamiltonian incorporating a Lennard-Jones potential, zero-point energy, and simple harmonic oscillations. A foliation approach enforces the Wheeler-DeWitt constraint via locally non-zero Hamiltonians that globally cancel. Graviton-like perturbations (treated here as spin-0 bosons) modify the vertex energy spectrum, with variational analysis suggesting twelve coherent excitations per vertex. This model frames flat spacetime as a graviton-rich lattice while enforcing a Brownian-like stochastic picture for the gravitons, and offers a basis for extension into curved quantum geometries.
title A Lattice Physics Approach to Spin-Networks in Loop Quantum Gravity
topic General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology
Other Condensed Matter
High Energy Physics - Theory
37C86, 81Q35, 82D03, 83C27
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2507.14630