Generic predictions of quantum theories of gravity

Abstract

I discuss generic consequences (sometimes called "soft predictions") of a class of background independent quantum theories of spacetime called causal spin network theories. These are theories whose kinematics and dynamics is based on the evolution of labeled graphs, by local moves, such as in loop quantum gravity and spin foam models. Some generic consequences are well known, including the discreteness of quantum geometry, the elimination of spacetime singularities, the entropy of black hole and cosmological horizons and the fact that positive cosmological constant spacetimes are hot. Within the last few years three possible generic consequences have come to light. These are 1) Deformed special relativity as the symmetry of the ground state, 2) Elementary particles as coherent excitations of quantum geometry, 3) Locality is disordered. I discuss some possible experimental consequences of each.