Simplicial Quantum Gravity

Abstract

Simplicial approximation and the ideas associated with the Regge calculus.provide a concrete way of implementing a sum over histories formulation ofquantum gravity. A four-dimensional simplicial geometry is made up of flat four-simplices joined together.A sum over simplicial geometries is a sum over thedifferent ways the simplices can be joined together with an integral over their edge lengths.Theconstruction of the simplicial Euclidean action for this approach to quantum general relativity is illustrated. The recovery of the diffeomorphism group in the continuum limit is discussed. Some possible classes of simplicial complexes with which to define a sum over topologies are described.