Quantum Theories of Gravity and Spacetime

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This research in theoretical gravitational physics concerns the problem of quantum gravity and is directed primarily at the question "is the usual continuum model of spacetime appropriate in a theory uniting quantum physics and gravitation and, if not, by what should it be replaced?" Several facets of this subject will be investigated by Dr. Jacobson: 1) application of the partial solution of the constraint problem in general relativity to the standard recipe for quantization of gravity; 2) the compatibility of black hole radiation with different assumptions about short distance spacetime structure; 3) the problem of defining cutoff quantum field theory in time-dependent spacetime geometries; 4) constraining relations in causal networks and classification of allowed network structures; 5) the role of closed timelike curves in 2 + 1 dimensional quantum gravity; 6) the problem of interpreting the formalism of quantum gravity in the absence of an external notion of time.