Classical and Quantum Aspects of 1+1 Gravity

Abstract

We present a classification of all global solutions (with Lorentzian signature) for any general 2D dilaton gravity model. For generic choices of potential-like terms in the Lagrangian one obtains maximally extended solutions on arbitrary non-compact two-manifolds, including various black-hole and kink configurations. We determine all physical quantum states in a Dirac approach. In some cases the spectrum of the (black-hole) mass operator is found to be sensitive to the signature of the theory, which may be relevant in view of current attempts to implement a generalized Wick-rotation in 4D quantum gravity.