Date Thesis Awarded
5-2021
Access Type
Honors Thesis -- Open Access
Degree Name
Bachelors of Science (BS)
Department
Physics
Advisor
Joshua Erlich
Committee Members
Sarah Day
Todd Averett
Abstract
This work presents the development of a quantum theory of gravity motivated by diffeomorphism-invariance and background-independence. A composite graviton state that satisfies the linearized Einstein’s field equations has been identified via perturbative expansion about a curved vacuum spacetime. The emergence of this gravitational interaction is discussed, as well as cancellation of tadpoles and treatment of ultraviolet divergences via dimensional regularization. In other words, the formalism of quantum field theory is used to identify a gravitational interaction as an emergent phenomenon rather than as a fundamental aspect of nature. The lattice is proposed as a candidate for a physical regulator, and future directions of research are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Batz, Austin, "Composite Gravity in Curved Spacetime" (2021). Undergraduate Honors Theses. William & Mary. Paper 1681.
https://scholarworks.wm.edu/honorstheses/1681
