Matrix Models, Emergent Gravity, and Gauge Theory

Abstract

Matrix models of Yang-Mills type induce an effective gravity theory on 4-dimensional branes, which are considered as models for dynamical space-time. We review recent progress in the understanding of this emergent gravity. The metric is not fundamental but arises effectively in the semi-classical limit, along with nonabelian gauge fields. This leads to a mechanism for protecting certain geometries from corrections due to the vacuum energy.