A New Parametrization for Tetrad Gravity

A new version of tetrad gravity in globally hyperbolic, asymptotically flat at spatial infinity spacetimes with Cauchy surfaces diffeomorphic to R ³ is obtained by using a new parametrization of arbitrary cotetrads to define a set of configurational variables to be used in the ADM metric action. Seven of the fourteen first class constraints have the form of the vanishing of canonical momenta. A comparison is made with other models of tetrad gravity and with the ADM canonical formalism for metric gravity.     

Review: Dirac's Observables for the Rest-Frame Instant Form of Tetrad Gravity in a Completely Fixed 3-Orthogonal Gauge

We define the rest-frame instant form of tetrad gravity restricted to Christodoulou-Klainermann spacetimes. After a study of the Hamiltonian group of gauge transformations generated by the 14 first class constraints of the theory, we define and solve the multitemporal equations associated with the rotation and space diffeomorphism constraints, finding how the cotriads and their momenta depend on the corresponding gauge variables. This allows to find a quasi-Shanmugadhasan canonical transformation to the class of 3-orthogonal gauges and to find the Dirac observables for superspace in these gauges. The construction of the explicit form of the transformation and of the solution of the rotation and supermomentum constraints is reduced to solve a system of elliptic linear and quasi-linear partial differential equations. We then show that the superhamiltonian constraint becomes the Lichnerowicz equation for the conformal factor of the 3-metric and that the last gauge variable is the momentum conjugated to the conformal factor. The gauge transformations generated by the superhamiltonian constraint perform the transitions among the allowed foliations of spacetime, so that the theory is independent from its 3+1 splittings. In the special 3-orthogonal gauge defined by the vanishing of the conformal factor momentum we determine the final Dirac observables for the gravitational field even if we are not able to solve the Lichnerowicz equation. The final Hamiltonian is the weak ADM energy restricted to this completely fixed gauge.     

New formulation of Horava-Lifshitz quantum gravity as a master constraint theory

Both projectable and non-projectable versions of Horava-Lifshitz gravity face serious challenges. In the non-projectable version, the constraint algebra is seemingly inconsistent. The projectable version lacks a local Hamiltonian constraint, thus allowing for an extra scalar mode which can be problematic. A new formulation of non-projectable Horava-Lifshitz gravity, naturally realized as a representation of the master constraint algebra studied by loop quantum gravity researchers, is presented. This yields a consistent canonical theory with first class constraints. It captures the essence of Horava-Lifshitz gravity in retaining only spatial diffeomorphisms (instead of full space-time covariance) as the physically relevant non-trivial gauge symmetry; at the same time the local Hamiltonian constraint needed to eliminate the extra mode is equivalently enforced by the master constraint.     

Conformal geometrodynamics regained: Gravity from duality

There exist several ways of constructing general relativity from ‘first principles’: Einstein’s original derivation, Lovelock’s results concerning the exceptional nature of the Einstein tensor from a mathematical perspective, and Hojman–Kucha?-Teitelboim’s derivation of the Hamiltonian form of the theory from the symmetries of space–time, to name a few. Here I propose a different set of first principles to obtain general relativity in the canonical Hamiltonian framework without presupposing space–time in any way. I first require consistent propagation of scalar spatially covariant constraints (in the Dirac picture of constrained systems). I find that up to a certain order in derivatives (four spatial and two temporal), there are large families of such consistently propagated constraints. Then I look for pairs of such constraints that can gauge-fix each other and form a theory with two dynamical degrees of freedom per space point. This demand singles out the ADM Hamiltonian either in (i) CMC gauge, with arbitrary (finite, non-zero) speed of light, and an extra term linear in York time, or (ii) a gauge where the Hubble parameter is conformally harmonic.     

The Hamiltonian formulation of general relativity: myths and reality

A conventional wisdom often perpetuated in the literature states that: (i) a 3 + 1 decomposition of spacetime into space and time is synonymous with the canonical treatment and this decomposition is essential for any Hamiltonian formulation of General Relativity (GR); (ii) the canonical treatment unavoidably breaks the symmetry between space and time in GR and the resulting algebra of constraints is not the algebra of four-dimensional diffeomorphism; (iii) according to some authors this algebra allows one to derive only spatial diffeomorphism or, according to others, a specific field-dependent and non-covariant four-dimensional diffeomorphism; (iv) the analyses of Dirac [21] and of ADM [22] of the canonical structure of GR are equivalent. We provide some general reasons why these statements should be questioned. Points (i–iii) have been shown to be incorrect in [45] and now we thoroughly re-examine all steps of the Dirac Hamiltonian formulation of GR. By direct calculation we show that Dirac’s references to space-like surfaces are inessential and that such surfaces do not enter his calculations. In addition, we show that his assumption g _0k = 0, used to simplify his calculation of different contributions to the secondary constraints, is unwarranted; yet, remarkably his total Hamiltonian is equivalent to the one computed without the assumption g _0k = 0. The secondary constraints resulting from the conservation of the primary constraints of Dirac are in fact different from the original constraints that Dirac called secondary (also known as the “Hamiltonian” and “diffeomorphism” constraints). The Dirac constraints are instead particular combinations of the constraints which follow directly from the primary constraints. Taking this difference into account we found, using two standard methods, that the generator of the gauge transformation gives diffeomorphism invariance in four-dimensional space-time; and this shows that points (i–iii) above cannot be attributed to the Dirac Hamiltonian formulation of GR. We also demonstrate that ADM and Dirac formulations are related by a transformation of phase-space variables from the metric _{g μν} to lapse and shift functions and the three-metric g _km , which is not canonical. This proves that point (iv) is incorrect. Points (i–iii) are mere consequences of using a non-canonical change of variables and are not an intrinsic property of either the Hamilton-Dirac approach to constrained systems or Einstein’s theory itself.     

The Hamiltonian of Einstein affine-metric formulation of General Relativity

It is shown that the Hamiltonian of the Einstein affine-metric (first-order) formulation of General Relativity (GR) leads to a constraint structure that allows the restoration of its unique gauge invariance, four-diffeomorphism, without the need of any field dependent redefinition of gauge parameters as in the case of the second-order formulation. In the second-order formulation of ADM gravity the need for such a redefinition is the result of the non-canonical change of variables (arXiv:0809.0097). For the first-order formulation, the necessity of such a redefinition “to correspond to diffeomorphism invariance” (reported by Ghalati, arXiv:0901.3344) is just an artifact of using the Henneaux–Teitelboim–Zanelli ansatz (Nucl. Phys. B 332:169, 1990), which is sensitive to the choice of linear combination of tertiary constraints. This ansatz cannot be used as an algorithm for finding a gauge invariance, which is a unique property of a physical system, and it should not be affected by different choices of linear combinations of non-primary first class constraints. The algorithm of Castellani (Ann. Phys. 143:357, 1982) is free from such a deficiency and it leads directly to four-diffeomorphism invariance for first, as well as for second-order Hamiltonian formulations of GR. The distinct role of primary first class constraints, the effect of considering different linear combinations of constraints, the canonical transformations of phase-space variables, and their interplay are discussed in some detail for Hamiltonians of the second- and first-order formulations of metric GR. The first-order formulation of Einstein–Cartan theory, which is the classical background of Loop Quantum Gravity, is also discussed.     

Hamilton's principle,covariant Hamiltonian,and canonical formalism in four and five dimensions

A discussion of the 1950s and 1960s on the existence of an explicit covariant canonical formalism is renewed. A new point of view is introduced where Hamilton's principle, based on the existence of a Hamiltonian, is postulated independently from the Lagrange formalism. The Hamiltonian is determined by transformation properties and dimensional considerations. The variation of the action without constraints leads to an explicit covariant canonical formalism and correct equations of motion. The introduction of the charge as a fifth momentum gives rise to a reformulation of classical relativistic point mechanics as a five-dimensionalU(1) gauge theory with a theoretically invisible extra dimension. A generalization to other gauge groups is given. The inversion of the proper time is introduced as a new particle-antiparticle symmetry that allows one to show that in the five-dimensional classical theory all particles have positive energy.     

Role of surface integrals in the Hamiltonian formulation of general relativity

It is shown that if the phase space of general relativity is defined so as to contain the trajectories representing solutions of the equations of motion then, for asymptotically flat spaces, the Hamiltonian does not vanish but its value is given rather by a nonzero surface integral. If the deformations of the surface on which the state is defined are restricted so that the surface moves asymptotically parallel to itself in the time direction, then the surface integral gives directly the energy of the system, prior to fixing the coordinates or solving the constraints. Under more general conditions (when asymptotic Poincaré transformations are allowed) the surface integrals giving the total momentum and angular momentum also contribute to the Hamiltonian. These quantities are also identified without reference to a particular fixation of the coordinates. When coordinate conditions are imposed the associated reduced Hamiltonian is unambiguously obtained by introducing the solutions of the constraints into the surface integral giving the numerical value of the unreduced Hamiltonian. In the present treatment there are therefore no divergences that cease to be divergences after coordinate conditions are imposed. The procedure of reduction of the Hamiltonian is explicity carried out for two cases: (a) Maximal slicing, (b) ADM coordinate conditions.A Hamiltonian formalism which is manifestly covariant under Poincaré transformations at infinity is presented. In such a formalism the ten independent variables describing the asymptotic location of the surface are introduced, together with corresponding conjugate momenta, as new canonical variables in the same footing with the g_ij, π^ij. In this context one may fix the coordinates in the “interior” but still leave open the possibility of making asymptotic Poincaré transformations. In that case all ten generators of the Poincaré group are obtained by inserting the solution of the constraints into corresponding surface integrals.     

A partly reduced system of Hamiltonian equations and the initial value problem in the Ecsk theory of gravity

It is shown that by solving 12 of the field equations with respect to the connection components and , the quantities used to describe the geometry of space-time can be divided into two sets. In the first set we have the canonical variables the time evolution of which is determined by the dynamical equations. The second set contains ten gauge variables N, N^k, , n ⁽ⁱ⁾ which can be given arbitrarily on space-time. This partial reduction of the Hamiltonian equations enabls us to discuss the initial value problem in the ECSK theory of gravity coupled to matter tensor fields. Such an analysis is performed for the phenomenological ECSK theory and for the ECSK theory coupled to: a covector matter field, the generalized Maxwell electrodynamics, and the generalized Fermi-Dirac electrodynamics. The Poisson brackets of the seven Hamiltonian constraints, which have to be satisfied by the canonical variables, are found. It is proved that they are first class.     

Operator quantization of non-abelian gauge theories in a completely fixed axial gauge

A consistent quantization of chromodynamics in a completely fixed axial gauge is carried out by using the Dirac bracket quantization procedure. The main results are: The translation of Dirac brackets into equal-time commutators is possible, without ambiguities, because of the absence of ordering problems. All equal-time commutators are compatible with constraints and gauge conditions holding as strong operator relations. All equal-time commutators are compatible with chromoelectric, chromomagnetic, and fermionic fields vanishing at spatial infinity. The colored gauge potentials A^0,a, A^1,a, and A^2,a are seen to develop a physically significant, although pure gauge, behavior at x³ = ± ∞, as required by the presence of a nontrivial topological content. Poincaré invariance is satisfied without introducing in the Hamiltonian “extra” quantum mechanical potentials. The determinant of the Faddeev-Popov matrix does not depend upon the field variables.     

Hamiltonian Dynamics for Einstein’s Action in <Emphasis Type="Italic">G</Emphasis>→0 Limit

The Hamiltonian analysis for the Einstein’s action in G→0 limit is performed. Considering the original configuration space without involve the usual ADM variables we show that the version G→0 for Einstein’s action is devoid of physical degrees of freedom. In addition, we will identify the relevant symmetries of the theory such as the extended action, the extended Hamiltonian, the gauge transformations and the algebra of the constraints. As complement part of this work, we develop the covariant canonical formalism where will be constructed a closed and gauge invariant symplectic form. In particular, using the geometric form we will obtain by means of other way the same symmetries that we found using the Hamiltonian analysis.     

On the vierbein formalism of general relativity

Both the Einstein–Hilbert action and the Einstein equations are discussed under the absolute vierbein formalism. Taking advantage of this form, we prove that the “kinetic energy” term, i.e., the quadratic term of time derivative term, in the Lagrangian of the Einstein–Hilbert action is non-positive definitive. And then, we present two groups of coordinate conditions that lead to positive definitive kinetic energy term in the Lagrangian, as well as the corresponding actions with positive definitive kinetic energy term, respectively. Based on the ADM decomposition, the Hamiltonian representation and canonical quantization of general relativity taking advantage of the actions with positive definitive kinetic energy term are discussed; especially, the Hamiltonian constraints with positive definitive kinetic energy term are given, respectively. Finally, we present a group of gauge conditions such that there is not any second time derivative term in the ten Einstein equations.     

Remarks on the “Non-canonicity Puzzle”: Lagrangian Symmetries of the Einstein-Hilbert Action

Given the non-canonical relationship between variables used in the Hamiltonian formulations of the Einstein-Hilbert action (due to Pirani, Schild, Skinner (PSS) and Dirac) and the Arnowitt-Deser-Misner (ADM) action, and the consequent difference in the gauge transformations generated by the first-class constraints of these two formulations, the assumption that the Lagrangians from which they were derived are equivalent leads to an apparent contradiction that has been called “the non-canonicity puzzle”. In this work we shall investigate the group properties of two symmetries derived for the Einstein-Hilbert action: diffeomorphism, which follows from the PSS and Dirac formulations, and the one that arises from the ADM formulation. We demonstrate that unlike the diffeomorphism transformations, the ADM transformations (as well as others, which can be constructed for the Einstein-Hilbert Lagrangian using Noether’s identities) do not form a group. This makes diffeomorphism transformations unique (the term “canonical” symmetry might be suggested). If the two Lagrangians are to be called equivalent, canonical symmetry must be preserved. The interplay between general covariance and the canonicity of the variables used is discussed.     

The dynamical structure of the Einstein-Cartan-Sciama-Kibble theory of gravity

It is shown that in the SO(3)-covariant Hamiltonian formulation the system of the ECSK equations can be reduced to 7 gravitational constraints, 18 gravitational dynamical equations, and a system of matter field equations. The geometric meaning of the canonical (symplectic) and gauge variables is also explained. Moreover, a general method of how to analyse degenerate matter field lagrangians in the framework of the ECSK theory is discussed. The exposition is given in the language of SO(3)-covariant differential operators on 3-dimensional slices of spacetime.     

Perfect fluid sources for spatially homogeneous spacetimes

Spatially homogeneous perfect fluid spacetimes are studied from a point of view which emphasizes the spatial geometry and the action of that subgroup of the spatial gauge group of the three-plus-one formulation of general relativity which is compatible with the spatial homogeneity. The specializations of the dynamics which correspond to the existence of additional spacetime symmetries are classified. An unconstrained set of gravitational and fluid variables is obtained by elimination of the gravitational constraints using an approach which obtains the gravitational evolution equations from a suitably modified Lagrangian/Hamiltonian formalism. A slightly different choice of variables is then described which allows one to take full advantage of the spatial gauge group and of the 1-parameter group of scale transformations of the unit of length.     

Review: Hamiltonian Linearization of the Rest-Frame Instant Form of Tetrad Gravity in a Completely Fixed 3-Orthogonal Gauge: A Radiation Gauge for Background-Independent Gravitational Waves in a Post-Minkowskian Einstein Spacetime

In the framework of the rest-frame instant form of tetrad gravity, where the Hamiltonian is the weak ADM energy , we define a special completely fixed 3-orthogonal Hamiltonian gauge, corresponding to a choice of non-harmonic 4-coordinates, in which the independent degrees of freedom of the gravitational field are described by two pairs of canonically conjugate Dirac observables (DO) . We define a Hamiltonian linearization of the theory, i.e. gravitational waves, without introducing any background 4-metric, by retaining only the linear terms in the DO's in the super-hamiltonian constraint (the Lichnerowicz equation for the conformal factor of the 3-metric) and the quadratic terms in the DO's in . We solve all the constraints of the linearized theory: this amounts to work in a well defined post-Minkowskian Christodoulou-Klainermann space-time. The Hamilton equations imply the wave equation for the DO's , which replace the two polarizations of the TT harmonic gauge, and that linearized Einstein's equations are satisfied. Finally we study the geodesic equation, both for time-like and null geodesics, and the geodesic deviation equation.     

The physical role of gravitational and gauge degrees of freedom in general relativity — I: Dynamical synchronization and generalized inertial effects

This is the first of a couple of papers in which the peculiar capabilities of the Hamiltonian approach to general relativity are exploited to get both new results concerning specific technical issues, and new insights about old foundational problems of the theory. The first paper includes: (1) a critical analysis of the various concepts of symmetry related to the Einstein-Hilbert Lagrangian viewpoint on the one hand, and to the Hamiltonian viewpoint, on the other. This analysis leads, in particular, to a re-interpretation of active diffeomorphisms as passive and metric-dependent dynamical symmetries of Einstein's equations, a re-interpretation which enables to disclose the (not widely known)) connection of a subgroup of them to Hamiltonian gauge transformations on-shell; (2) a re-visitation of the canonical reduction of the ADM formulation of general relativity, with particular emphasis on the geometro-dynamical effects of the gauge-fixing procedure, which amounts to the definition of a global non-inertial, space-time laboratory. This analysis discloses the peculiar dynamical nature that the traditional definition of distant simultaneity and clock-synchronization assume in general relativity, as well as the gauge relatedness of the “conventions” which generalize the classical Einstein's convention. (3) a clarification of the physical role of Dirac and gauge variables, as their being related to tidal-like and generalized inertial effects, respectively. This clarification is mainly due to the fact that, unlike the standard formulations of the equivalence principle, the Hamiltonian formalism allows to define a generalized notion of “force” in general relativity in a natural way.     

Second order Hamiltonian formalism and constraints algebra for non-polynomial supergravities

The second order Hamiltonian formalism for a non-polynomial N = 1D = 10 supergravity coupled to super Yang-Mills theory is developed. This is done by starting from the first order canoncial covariant formalism on group manifold. The Hamiltonian, generator of time evolution, is found as a functional of the first class constraints of this coupled system. These contraints close the constraint algebra and they are the generators of all the Hamiltonian gauge symmetries.