Charles G. Torre

Gravitational observables and local symmetries.

Using a recent classification of local symmetries of the vacuum Einstein equations, it is shown that there can be no observables for the vacuum gravitational field (in a closed universe) built as spatial integrals of local functions of Cauchy data and their derivatives.

FUNCTIONAL EVOLUTION OF FREE QUANTUM FIELDS

We consider the problem of evolving the state of a quantum field between any two (in general, curved) Cauchy surfaces. Classically, this dynamical evolution is represented by a canonical transformation on the phase space for the field theory. We show that this canonical transformation cannot, in general, be unitarily implemented on the Fock space for free quantum fields on flat spacetimes of dimension greater than 2. We do this by considering time evolution of a free Klein-Gordon field on a flat spacetime (with toroidal Cauchy surfaces) starting from a flat initial surface and ending on a generic final surface. The associated Bogolubov transformation is computed; it does not correspond to a unitary transformation on the Fock space. This means that functional evolution of the quantum state as originally envisioned by Tomonaga, Schwinger and Dirac is not a viable concept. Nevertheless, we demonstrate that functional evolution of the quantum state can be satisfactorily described using the formalism of algebraic quantum field theory. We discuss possible implications of our results for canonical quantum gravity.

Asymptotic Conservation Laws in Classical Field Theory

A new, general, field theoretic approach to the derivation of asymptotic conservation laws is presented. In this approach asymptotic conservation laws are constructed directly from the field equations according to a universal prescription which does not rely upon the existence of Noether identities or any Lagrangian or Hamiltonian formalisms. The resulting general expressions of the conservation laws enjoy important invariance properties and synthesize all known asymptotic conservation laws, such as the Arnowitt-Deser-Misner energy in general relativity. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}

GROUP INVARIANT SOLUTIONS WITHOUT TRANSVERSALITY

Abstract:We present a generalization of Lies method for finding the group invariant solutions to a system of partial differential equations. Our generalization relaxes the standard transversality assumption and encompasses the common situation where the reduced differential equations for the group invariant solutions involve both fewer dependent and independent variables. The theoretical basis for our method is provided by a general existence theorem for the invariant sections, both local and global, of a bundle on which a finite dimensional Lie group acts. A simple and natural extension of our characterization of invariant sections leads to an intrinsic characterization of the reduced equations for the group invariant solutions for a system of differential equations. The characterization of both the invariant sections and the reduced equations are summarized schematically by the kinematic and dynamic reduction diagrams and are illustrated by a number of examples from fluid mechanics, harmonic maps, and general relativity. This work also provides the theoretical foundations for a further detailed study of the reduced equations for group invariant solutions.

Classification of local generalized symmetries for the vacuum Einstein equations

A local generalized symmetry of a system of differential equations is an infinitesimal transformation depending locally upon the fields and their derivatives which carries solutions to solutions. We classify all local generalized symmetries of the vacuum Einstein equations in four spacetime dimensions. To begin, we analyze symmetries that can be built from the metric, curvature, and covariant derivatives of the curvature to any order; these are called natural symmetries and are globally defined on any spacetime manifold. We next classify first-order generalized symmetries, that is, symmetries that depend on the metric and its first derivatives. Finally, using results from the classification of natural symmetries, we reduce the classification of all higher-order generalized symmetries to the first-order case. In each case we find that the local generalized symmetries are infinitesimal generalized diffeomorphisms and constant metric scalings. There are no non-trivial conservation laws associated with these symmetries. A novel feature of our analysis is the use of a fundamental set of spinorial coordinates on the infinite jet space of Ricci-flat metrics, which are derived from Penroses “exact set of fields” for the vacuum equations.

Group Invariant Solutions without Transversality and the Principle of Symmetric Criticality

Abstract:We present a generalization of Lies method for finding the group invariant solutions to a system of partial differential equations. Our generalization relaxes the standard transversality assumption and encompasses the common situation where the reduced differential equations for the group invariant solutions involve both fewer dependent and independent variables. The theoretical basis for our method is provided by a general existence theorem for the invariant sections, both local and global, of a bundle on which a finite dimensional Lie group acts. A simple and natural extension of our characterization of invariant sections leads to an intrinsic characterization of the reduced equations for the group invariant solutions for a system of differential equations. The characterization of both the invariant sections and the reduced equations are summarized schematically by the kinematic and dynamic reduction diagrams and are illustrated by a number of examples from fluid mechanics, harmonic maps, and general relativity. This work also provides the theoretical foundations for a further detailed study of the reduced equations for group invariant solutions.

Internal Time Formalism for Spacetimes with Two Killing Vectors

The Hamiltonian structure of spacetimes with two commuting Killing vector fields is analyzed for the purpose of addressing the various problems of time that arise in canonical gravity. Two specific models are considered: (i) cylindrically symmetric spacetimes and (ii) toroidally symmetric spacetimes, which respectively involve open and closed universe boundary conditions. For each model, canonical variables which can be used to identify points of space and instants of time, i.e., internally defined spacetime coordinates, are identified. To do this it is necessary to extend the usual ADM phase space by a finite number of degrees of freedom. Canonical transformations are exhibited that identify each of these models with harmonic maps in the parametrized field theory formalism. The identifications made between the gravitational models and harmonic map field theories are completely gauge invariant; that is, no coordinate conditions are needed. The degree to which the problems of time are resolved in these models is discussed.

Null surface geometrodynamics

Investigates the dynamical structure of Einsteins theory of gravity using a time parameter whose level surfaces are null hypersurfaces in spacetime. A spacelike foliation of codimension two is used in order to give an invariant kinematic description. Dynamics are analysed via a constrained Hamiltonian formalism. It is found that the Hamiltonian formulation includes both first and second class constraints. The first class constraints are associated with the invariance of the theory with respect to diffeomorphisms of the null hypersurfaces. The second class constraints are direct consequences of the choice of null time parameter.

Natural symmetries of the Yang–Mills equations

A natural generalized symmetry of the Yang–Mills equations is defined as an infinitesimal transformation of the Yang–Mills field, built in a local, gauge invariant, and Poincare invariant fashion from the Yang–Mills field strength and its derivatives to any order, which maps solutions of the field equations to other solutions. On the jet bundle of Yang–Mills connections a spinorial coordinate system is introduced that is adapted to the solution subspace defined by the Yang–Mills equations. In terms of this coordinate system the complete classification of natural symmetries is carried out in a straightforward manner. It is found that all natural symmetries of the Yang–Mills equations stem from the gauge transformations admitted by the equations.

Covariant phase space formulation of parametrized field theories

Parametrized field theories, which are generally covariant versions of ordinary field theories, are studied from the point of view of the covariant phase space: the space of solutions of the field equations equipped with a canonical (pre)symplectic structure. Motivated by issues arising in general relativity, we focus on phase space representations of the space‐time diffeomorphism group, construction of observables, and the relationship between the canonical and covariant phase spaces.