Relativity and the Quantum « EO-Topics « Einstein-Online (original) (raw)

Relativistic quantum theory, string theory, loop quantum gravity and other attempts to unify Einstein’s gravitation with quantum theory; the uses of extra dimensions; quantum gravity and the big bang

General aspects of quantum gravity

Some aspects of quantum gravity that are independent of which of the possible approaches is chosen.

String theory

More about string theory – at present, mostly about the extra dimensions that play such a central role in that theory

Loop quantum gravity

More about loop quantum gravity, in particular its cosmological applications.

Avoiding the big bang

The collapsing and then re-expanding quantum universe that loop quantum gravity offers as a replacement of the standard big bang models

Taming infinity with loops

How loop quantum gravity could replace the absurd state of infinite density, the big bang with which, according to Einstein’s relativity, the universe began

Other approaches to the problem of quantum gravity

While string theory and loop quantum gravity are the most prominent approaches to the problem of quantum gravity, they are not the only ones. Some other approaches are described in the following spotlights.

Physics in the background of quantum theory

Useful physics background information that may help with a better understanding of the other spotlight texts on this page.