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Is quantum gravity a non-commutative geometry?

Objective

There is a strong theoretical evidence that the usual continuum model of space-time is not correct at very short distances (i.e. the Planck scale l_pimeq 1,6.10 {-33} cm). It is rather straightforward to show that if the principles of quantum theory hold right down to very small length scales where gravitational forces come into play then the familiar picture of space-time as a manifold must be abandoned. But since we have no experimental information and there is no firmly established quantum theory of gravity, there is no certainty on what space-time looks like at the Planck scale.

Understanding the intimate geometry of space-time is thus a key open problem for theoretical physics. As well this is a challenge to mathematics: in the same way that General Relativity would not have been possible without Riemann's transition from flat to curve spaces, it is most likely that Planck scale physics asks for a formulation of geometry more flexible than usual differential geometry. The aim of this project is to study various approach to Plank scale physics, especially Connes non-commutative geometry and quantum gravity phenomenology.

Call for proposal

FP6-2004-MOBILITY-5
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Coordinator

UNIVERSITA DELGI STUDI DI ROMA - DIPARTIMENTO DI FISICA
EU contribution
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Address
Piazalle Aldo Moro, 5
ROMA
Italy

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