Matti Raasakka

There are important indications that nature may be locally finite-dimensional, i.e. that any spatially bounded subsystem can be described by a finite-dimensional local observable algebra. Motivated by these ideas, we show that operational spacetime topology is described by an atomistic Boolean algebra if (i) local observable algebras are finite-dimensional factors, (ii) the intersection of two local algebras is also local, and (iii) the commutant of a local algebra is also local. Thus, in this… Show more

There are important indications that nature may be locally finite-dimensional, i.e. that any spatially bounded subsystem can be described by a finite-dimensional local observable algebra. Motivated by these ideas, we show that operational spacetime topology is described by an atomistic Boolean algebra if (i) local observable algebras are finite-dimensional factors, (ii) the intersection of two local algebras is also local, and (iii) the commutant of a local algebra is also local. Thus, in this case, spacetime has a point-free granular behavior at small scales. Show less

Motivated by hints of the effective emergent nature of spacetime structure, we formulate a spacetime-free algebraic framework for quantum theory, in which no a priori background geometric structure is required. Such a framework is necessary in order to study the emergence of effective spacetime structure in a consistent manner, without assuming a background geometry from the outset. Instead, the background geometry is conjectured to arise as an effective structure of the algebraic and dynamical… Show more

Motivated by hints of the effective emergent nature of spacetime structure, we formulate a spacetime-free algebraic framework for quantum theory, in which no a priori background geometric structure is required. Such a framework is necessary in order to study the emergence of effective spacetime structure in a consistent manner, without assuming a background geometry from the outset. Instead, the background geometry is conjectured to arise as an effective structure of the algebraic and dynamical relations between observables that are imposed by the background statistics of the system. Namely, we suggest that quantum reference states on an extended observable algebra, the free algebra generated by the observables, may give rise to effective spacetime structures. Accordingly, perturbations of the reference state lead to perturbations of the induced effective spacetime geometry. We initiate the study of these perturbations, and their relation to gravitational phenomena. Show less

In this paper we analyze in detail the next-to-leading order (NLO) of the recently obtained large N expansion for the multi-orientable (MO) tensor model. From a combinatorial point of view, we find the class of Feynman tensor graphs contributing to this order in the expansion. Each such NLO graph is characterized by the property that it contains a certain non-orientable ribbon subgraph (a non-orientable jacket). Furthermore, we find the radius of convergence and the susceptibility exponent of… Show more

In this paper we analyze in detail the next-to-leading order (NLO) of the recently obtained large N expansion for the multi-orientable (MO) tensor model. From a combinatorial point of view, we find the class of Feynman tensor graphs contributing to this order in the expansion. Each such NLO graph is characterized by the property that it contains a certain non-orientable ribbon subgraph (a non-orientable jacket). Furthermore, we find the radius of convergence and the susceptibility exponent of the NLO series for this model. These results represent a first step towards the larger goal of defining an appropriate double-scaling limit for the MO tensor model. Show less

We apply the non-commutative Fourier transform for Lie groups to formulate the non-commutative metric representation of the Ponzano-Regge spin foam model for 3d quantum gravity. The non-commutative representation allows to express the amplitudes of the model as a first order phase space path integral, whose properties we consider. In particular, we study the asymptotic behavior of the path integral in the semi-classical limit. First, we compare the stationary phase equations in the classical… Show more

We apply the non-commutative Fourier transform for Lie groups to formulate the non-commutative metric representation of the Ponzano-Regge spin foam model for 3d quantum gravity. The non-commutative representation allows to express the amplitudes of the model as a first order phase space path integral, whose properties we consider. In particular, we study the asymptotic behavior of the path integral in the semi-classical limit. First, we compare the stationary phase equations in the classical limit for three different non-commutative structures corresponding to the symmetric, Duflo and Freidel-Livine-Majid quantization maps. We find that in order to unambiguously recover discrete geometric constraints for non-commutative metric boundary data through the stationary phase method, the deformation structure of the phase space must be accounted for in the variational calculus. When this is understood, our results demonstrate that the non-commutative metric representation facilitates a convenient semi-classical analysis of the Ponzano-Regge model, which yields as the dominant contribution to the amplitude the cosine of the Regge action in agreement with previous studies. We also consider the asymptotics of the SU(2) 6j-symbol using the non-commutative phase space path integral for the Ponzano-Regge model, and explain the connection of our results to the previous asymptotic results in terms of coherent states. Show less

The Ben Geloun-Rivasseau quantum field theoretical model is the first tensor model shown to be perturbatively renormalizable. We define here an appropriate Hopf algebra describing the combinatorics of this new tensorial renormalization. The structure we propose is significantly different from the previously defined Connes-Kreimer combinatorial Hopf algebras due to the involved combinatorial and topological properties of the tensorial Feynman graphs. In particular, the 2- and 4-point function… Show more

The Ben Geloun-Rivasseau quantum field theoretical model is the first tensor model shown to be perturbatively renormalizable. We define here an appropriate Hopf algebra describing the combinatorics of this new tensorial renormalization. The structure we propose is significantly different from the previously defined Connes-Kreimer combinatorial Hopf algebras due to the involved combinatorial and topological properties of the tensorial Feynman graphs. In particular, the 2- and 4-point function insertions must be defined to be non-trivial only if the superficial divergence degree of the associated Feynman integral is conserved. Show less

We consider quantum electrodynamics in noncommutative spacetime by deriving a θ-exact Seiberg-Witten map with fermions in the fundamental representation of the gauge group as an expansion in the coupling constant. Accordingly, we demonstrate the persistence of UV/IR mixing in noncommutative QED with charged fermions via Seiberg-Witten map, extending the results of Schupp and You.

The phase space given by the cotangent bundle of a Lie group appears in the context of several models for physical systems. A representation for the quantum system in terms of non-commutative functions on the (dual) Lie algebra, and a generalized notion of (non-commutative) Fourier transform, different from standard harmonic analysis, has been recently developed, and found several applications, especially in the quantum gravity literature. We show that this algebra representation can be defined… Show more

The phase space given by the cotangent bundle of a Lie group appears in the context of several models for physical systems. A representation for the quantum system in terms of non-commutative functions on the (dual) Lie algebra, and a generalized notion of (non-commutative) Fourier transform, different from standard harmonic analysis, has been recently developed, and found several applications, especially in the quantum gravity literature. We show that this algebra representation can be defined on the sole basis of a quantization map of the classical Poisson algebra, and identify the conditions for its existence. In particular, the corresponding non-commutative star-product carried by this representation is obtained directly from the quantization map via deformation quantization. We then clarify under which conditions a unitary intertwiner between such algebra representation and the usual group representation can be constructed giving rise to the non-commutative plane waves and consequently, the non-commutative Fourier transform. The compact groups U(1) and SU(2) are considered for different choices of quantization maps, such as the symmetric and the Duflo map, and we exhibit the corresponding star-products, algebra representations and non-commutative plane waves. Show less

We formulate quantum mechanics on SO(3) using a non-commutative dual space representation for the quantum states, inspired by recent work in quantum gravity. The new non-commutative variables have a clear connection to the corresponding classical variables, and our analysis confirms them as the natural phase space variables, both mathematically and physically. In particular, we derive the first order (Hamiltonian) path integral in terms of the non-commutative variables, as a formulation of the… Show more

We formulate quantum mechanics on SO(3) using a non-commutative dual space representation for the quantum states, inspired by recent work in quantum gravity. The new non-commutative variables have a clear connection to the corresponding classical variables, and our analysis confirms them as the natural phase space variables, both mathematically and physically. In particular, we derive the first order (Hamiltonian) path integral in terms of the non-commutative variables, as a formulation of the transition amplitudes alternative to that based on harmonic analysis. We find that the non-trivial phase space structure gives naturally rise to quantum corrections to the action for which we find a closed expression. We then study both the semi-classical approximation of the first order path integral and the example of a free particle on SO(3). On the basis of these results, we comment on the relevance of similar structures and methods for more complicated theories with group-based configuration spaces, such as Loop Quantum Gravity and Spin Foam models. Show less