This timely volume provides the first comprehensive and coherent introduction to modern quantum cosmology - the study of the universe as a whole according to the laws of quantum mechanics. In particular, it presents a useful survey of the many profound consequences of supersymmetry (supergravity) in quantum cosmology. After a general introduction to quantum cosmology, the reader is led through Hamiltonian supergravity and canonical quantization and quantum amplitudes through to models of supersymmetric mini superspace and quantum wormholes. The book is rounded off with a look at exciting further developments, including the possible finiteness of supergravity. Ample introductory material is included, ensuring this topical volume is well suited as a graduate text. Researchers in theoretical and mathematical physics, applied maths and cosmology will also find it of immediate interest.
• The first book on modern quantum cosmology • Provides a comprehensive and coherent introduction to the canonical approach to (supersymmetric) quantum gravity • Includes sufficient introductory material to be well suited as a graduate text for graduate courses on quantum gravity and quantum cosmology
Contents
1. Introduction; 2. Quantum cosmology; 3. Hamiltonian supergravity and canonical quantization; 4. The quantum amplitude; 5. Supersymmetric mini-superspace models; 6. Supersymmetric quantum wormhole states; 7. Ashtekar variables; 8. Further developments; 9. Conclusion; References.
Review
‘… admirably lucid, very carefully organized, and I recommend it highly.’ David Bailin, The Observatory
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