The Hadamard Condition for Dirac Fields and Adiabatic States on Robertson–Walker Spacetimes

We characterise the homogeneous and isotropic gauge invariant and quasifree states for free Dirac quantum fields on Robertson–Walker spacetimes. Using this characterisation, we construct adiabatic vacuum states of order n corresponding to some Cauchy surface. It is demonstrated that any two such states (of sufficiently high order) are locally quasi-equivalent. We give a microlocal characterisation of spinor Hadamard states and we show that this agrees with the usual characterisation of such states in terms of the singular behaviour of their associated twopoint functions. The polarisation set of these twopoint functions is determined and found to have a natural geometric form. We finally prove that our adiabatic states of infinite order are Hadamard, and that those of order n correspond, in some sense, to a truncated Hadamard series and therefore allow for a point splitting renormalisation of the expected stress-energy tensor. Received: 30 June 1999 / Accepted: 21 September 2000     

On the fundamental groups of space-times in general relativity

It is shown that there are upper bounds on the first and second betti numbers of compact space-times or space-times with Cauchy surfaces whose fundamental groups are abelian. Homological classifications of compact space-times and space-times with compact Cauchy surfaces are given.     

Gluing initial data sets for general relativity

We establish an optimal gluing construction for general relativistic initial data sets. The construction is optimal in two distinct ways. First, it applies to generic initial data sets and the required (generically satisfied) hypotheses are geometrically and physically natural. Second, the construction is completely local in the sense that the initial data is left unaltered on the complement of arbitrarily small neighborhoods of the points about which the gluing takes place. Using this construction we establish the existence of cosmological, maximal globally hyperbolic, vacuum space-times with no constant mean curvature spacelike Cauchy surfaces.     

Linear spin-zero quantum fields in external gravitational and scalar fields

We give mathematically rigorous results on the quantization of the covariant Klein Gordon field with an external stationary scalar interaction in a stationary curved space-time. We show how, following Segal, Weinless etc., the problem reduces to finding a “one particle structure” for the corresponding classical system. Our main result is an existence theorem for such a one-particle structure for a precisely specified class of stationary space-times. Byproducts of our approach are:

1. A discussion of when a given “equal-time” surface in a given stationary space-time is Cauchy.
2. A modification and extension of the methods of Chernoff [3] for proving the essential self-adjointness of certain partial differential operators.

     

A class of singular space-times

We present a singularity theorem for a certain class of space-times. The theorem contains an ‘energy’ condition stronger than Hawking's, but does not require any condition about Cauchy surfaces, normals or time orientability.     

Symmetrized trace and symmetrized determinant of odd class pseudo-differential operators

We introduce a new canonical trace on odd class logarithmic pseudo-differential operators on an odd dimensional manifold, which vanishes on commutators. When restricted to the algebra of odd class classical pseudo-differential operators our trace coincides with the canonical trace of Kontsevich and Vishik. Using the new trace we construct a new determinant of odd class classical elliptic pseudo-differential operators. This determinant is multiplicative up to sign whenever the multiplicative anomaly formula for usual determinants of Kontsevich–Vishik and Okikiolu holds. When restricted to operators of Dirac type our determinant provides a sign refined version of the determinant constructed by Kontsevich and Vishik. We discuss some applications of the symmetrized determinant to a non-linear sigma-model in superconductivity.     

The Casimir Effect from the Point of View of Algebraic Quantum Field Theory

We consider a region of Minkowski spacetime bounded either by one or by two parallel, infinitely extended plates orthogonal to a spatial direction and a real Klein-Gordon field satisfying Dirichlet boundary conditions. We quantize these two systems within the algebraic approach to quantum field theory using the so-called functional formalism. As a first step we construct a suitable unital ?-algebra of observables whose generating functionals are characterized by a labelling space which is at the same time optimal and separating and fulfils the F-locality property. Subsequently we give a definition for these systems of Hadamard states and we investigate explicit examples. In the case of a single plate, it turns out that one can build algebraic states via a pull-back of those on the whole Minkowski spacetime, moreover inheriting from them the Hadamard property. When we consider instead two plates, algebraic states can be put in correspondence with those on flat spacetime via the so-called method of images, which we translate to the algebraic setting. For a massless scalar field we show that this procedure works perfectly for a large class of quasi-free states including the Poincaré vacuum and KMS states. Eventually Wick polynomials are introduced. Contrary to the Minkowski case, the extended algebras, built in globally hyperbolic subregions can be collected in a global counterpart only after a suitable deformation which is expressed locally in terms of a *-isomorphism. As a last step, we construct explicitly the two-point function and the regularized energy density, showing, moreover, that the outcome is consistent with the standard results of the Casimir effect.     

Classical and quantum models of strong cosmic censorship

The cosmic censorship conjecture states that naked singularities should not evolve from regular initial conditions in general relativity. In its strong form the conjecture asserts that space-times with Cauchy horizons must always be unstable and thus that thegeneric solution of Einstein's equations must be inextendible beyond its maximal Cauchy development. In this paper we shall show that one can construct an infinite-dimensional family ofextendible cosmological solutions similar to Taub-NUT space-time. However, we shall also show that each of these solutions is unstable in precisely the way demanded by strong cosmic censorship. Finally we show that quantum fluctuations in the metric always provide (though in an unexpectedly subtle way) the “generic perturbations” which destroy the Cauchy horizons in these models.     

Stability of Quantum Systems at Three Scales: Passivity, Quantum Weak Energy Inequalities and the Microlocal Spectrum Condition

Quantum weak energy inequalities have recently been extensively discussed as a condition on the dynamical stability of quantum field states, particularly on curved spacetimes. We formulate the notion of a quantum weak energy inequality for general dynamical systems on static background spacetimes and establish a connection between quantum weak energy inequalities and thermodynamics. Namely, for such a dynamical system, we show that the existence of a class of states satisfying a quantum weak inequality implies that passive states (e.g., mixtures of ground- and thermal equilibrium states) exist for the time-evolution of the system and, therefore, that the second law of thermodynamics holds. As a model system, we consider the free scalar quantum field on a static spacetime. Although the Weyl algebra does not satisfy our general assumptions, our abstract results do apply to a related algebra which we construct, following a general method which we carefully describe, in Hilbert-space representations induced by quasifree Hadamard states. We discuss the problem of reconstructing states on the Weyl algebra from states on the new algebra and give conditions under which this may be accomplished. Previous results for linear quantum fields show that, on one hand, quantum weak energy inequalities follow from the Hadamard condition (or microlocal spectrum condition) imposed on the states, and on the other hand, that the existence of passive states implies that there is a class of states fulfilling the microlocal spectrum condition. Thus, the results of this paper indicate that these three conditions of dynamical stability are essentially equivalent. This observation is significant because the three conditions become effective at different length scales: The microlocal spectrum condition constrains the short-distance behaviour of quantum states (microscopic stability), quantum weak energy inequalities impose conditions at finite distance (mesoscopic stability), and the existence of passive states is a statement on the global thermodynamic stability of the system (macroscopic stability).Max-Planck-Institute for Mathematics in the Sciences, Inselstr. 22, 04103 Leipzig, Germany. verch@mis.mpg.de     

Singularity structure of the two point function of the free Dirac field on a globally hyperbolic spacetime

We give an introduction to the techniques from microlocal analysis that have successfully been applied in the investigation of Hadamard states of free quantum field theories on curved spacetimes. The calculation of the wave front set of the two point function of the free Klein‐Gordon field in a Hadamard state is reviewed, and the polarization set of a Hadamard two point function of the free Dirac field on a curved spacetime is calculated.     

Constructing Hadamard States via an Extended Møller Operator

We consider real scalar field theories, whose dynamics is ruled by normally hyperbolic operators differing only by a smooth potential V. By means of an extension of the standard definition of Møller operator, we construct an isomorphism between the associated spaces of smooth solutions and between the associated algebras of observables. On the one hand, such isomorphism is non-canonical, since it depends on the choice of a smooth time-dependant cut-off function \({\chi}\). On the other hand, given any quasi-free Hadamard state for a theory with a given V, such isomorphism allows for the construction of another quasi-free Hadamard state for a different potential. The resulting state preserves also the invariance under the action of any isometry, whose associated Killing field \({\xi}\) is complete and fulfilling both \({\mathcal{L}_\xi V=0 \,\, {\rm and} \,\, \mathcal{L}_\xi\chi=0}\). Eventually, we discuss a sufficient condition to remove on static spacetimes, the dependence on the cutoff via a suitable adiabatic limit.     

Micro-local approach to the Hadamard condition in quantum field theory on curved space-time

For the two-point distribution of a quasi-free Klein-Gordon neutral scalar quantum field on an arbitrary four dimensional globally hyperbolic curved space-time we prove the equivalence of (1) the global Hadamard condition, (2) the property that the Feynman propagator is a distinguished parametrix in the sense of Duistermaat and Hörmander, and (3) a new property referred to as the wave front set spectral condition (WFSSC), because it is reminiscent of the spectral condition in axiomatic quantum field theory on Minkowski space. Results in micro-local analysis such as the propagation of singularities theorem and the uniqueness up toC of distinguished parametrices are employed in the proof. We include a review of Kay and Wald's rigorous definition of the global Hadamard condition and the theory of distinguished parametrices, specializing to the case of the Klein-Gordon operator on a globally hyperbolic space-time. As an alternative to a recent computation of the wave front set of a globally Hadamard two-point distribution on a globally hyperbolic curved space-time, given elsewhere by Köhler (to correct an incomplete computation in [32]), we present a version of this computation that does not use a deformation argument such as that used in Fulling, Narcowich and Wald and is independent of the Cauchy evolution argument of Fulling, Sweeny and Wald (both of which are relied upon in Köhler's proof). This leads to a simple micro-local proof of the preservation of Hadamard form under Cauchy evolution (first shown by Fulling, Sweeny and Wald) relying only on the propagation of singularities theorem. In another paper [33], the equivalence theorem is used to prove a conjecture by Kay that a locally Hadamard quasi-free Klein-Gordon state on any globally hyperbolic curved space-time must be globally Hadamard.To my parents     

Cosmic censorship and conformai transformations

A new definition of a nakedly singular space-time is proposed. Conformai transformations of general, vacuum space-times are considered for conformai factors which are proper mappings into (0, ). A space-time generated in this manner which is null convergent on the future Cauchy development of a partial Cauchy surface is shown to be not nakedly singular relative to that surface in the sense of the chosen definition. If the conformal factor is bounded from above then the untransformed, vacuum space-time is similarly not nakedly singular. A censorship theorem for null convergent, conformally flat space-times is obtained as a corollary to the principal result.     

A Proof of the Geroch–Horowitz–Penrose Formulation of the Strong Cosmic Censor Conjecture Motivated by Computability Theory

In this paper we present a proof of a mathematical version of the strong cosmic censor conjecture attributed to Geroch–Horowitz and Penrose but formulated explicitly by Wald. The proof is based on the existence of future-inextendible causal curves in causal pasts of events on the future Cauchy horizon in a non-globally hyperbolic space-time. By examining explicit non-globally hyperbolic space-times we find that in case of several physically relevant solutions these future-inextendible curves have in fact infinite length. This way we recognize a close relationship between asymptotically flat or anti-de Sitter, physically relevant extendible space-times and the so-called Malament–Hogarth space-times which play a central role in recent investigations in the theory of “gravitational computers”. This motivates us to exhibit a more sharp, more geometric formulation of the strong cosmic censor conjecture, namely “all physically relevant, asymptotically flat or anti-de Sitter but non-globally hyperbolic space-times are Malament–Hogarth ones”. Our observations may indicate a natural but hidden connection between the strong cosmic censorship scenario and the Church–Turing thesis revealing an unexpected conceptual depth beneath both conjectures.     

Schemes for performance of displacing Hadamard gate with coherent states

We propose an approach with displaced states to use it for rotations of base coherent states and squeezed coherent states. Our approach is based on representation of the coherent states in free-traveling fields in terms of displaced number states with arbitrary amplitude of displacement. Two optical schemes are developed for construction of Hadamard gate for the base states. One of the optical schemes is based on alternation of photon additions and displacement operators (in general case, N-photon additions and N?1-displacements are required) to generate displaced squeezed even/odd superposition of coherent states (SCSs) with high fidelity in dependency on type (computational zero or one) of the base input state. Another optical scheme uses two-photon subtracted squeezed coherent states to approximate outcome of the Hadamard gate for the base squeezed coherent states. Output states approximate with high fidelity either even squeezed SCS or odd SCS shifted relative to each other by some value. It enables to adjust the optical scheme for construction of the Hadamard gate being mainframe element for quantum computation with basic squeezed coherent states.     

Null Limits of Generalised Bonnor-Swaminarayan Solutions

The Bonnor-Swaminarayan solutions are boost-rotation symmetric space-times which describe the motion of pairs of accelerating particles which are possibly connected to strings (struts). In an explicit and unified form we present a generalised class of such solutions with a few new observations. We then investigate the possible limits in which the accelerations become unbounded. The resulting space-times represent spherical impulsive gravitational waves with snapping or expanding cosmic strings. We also obtain an exact solution for a snapping string of finite length.     

Optical simulation of the quantum Hadamard operator

A possible way to optically simulate quantum algorithms is by making use of the spatial distribution of light in a laser beam. In this approach, the quantum states are represented by the amplitudes of the electromagnetic field in the beam. Temporal evolution is simulated by using optical elements such as lenses and phase shifters. Different elements are required depending on the operation whose implementation is desired. In this paper, we present an optical module to simulate the Hadamard transformation operating on a single qubit. The system is composed by a set of lenses, a phase plate and a phase grating and it could be used as a part of more complex arrangements. As an example, we make use of our Hadamard optical module as a part of the quantum circuit that solves the Deutsch problem. We show the obtained experimental results and we discuss the limitations of the proposal.     

A local-to-global singularity theorem for quantum field theory on curved space-time

We prove that if a reference two-point distribution of positive type on a time orientable curved space-time (CST) satisfies a certain condition on its wave front set (the classP _M,g condition) and if any other two-point distribution (i) is of positive type, (ii) has the same antisymmetric part as the reference modulo smooth function and (iii) has the same local singularity structure, then it has the same global singularity structure. In the proof we use a smoothing, positivity-preserving pseudo-differential operator the support of whose symbol is restricted to a certain conic region which depends on the wave front set of the reference state. This local-to-global theorem, together with results published elsewhere, leads to a verification of a conjecture by Kay that for quasi-free states of the Klein-Gordon quantum field on a globally hyperbolic CST, the local Hadamard condition implies the global Hadamard condition. A counterexample to the local-to-global theorem on a strip in Minkowski space is given when the classP _M,g condition is not assumed.To a special friend, who saved my life when I was younger, without whom I could not have written this paper.     

Grand Canonical Ensembles in General Relativity

We develop a formalism for general relativistic, grand canonical ensembles in space-times with timelike Killing fields. Using that, we derive ideal gas laws, and show how they depend on the geometry of the particular space-times. A systematic method for calculating Newtonian limits is given for a class of these space-times, which is illustrated for Kerr space-time. In addition, we prove uniqueness of the infinite volume Gibbs measure, and absence of phase transitions for a class of interaction potentials in anti-de Sitter space.