In 2000, Martin Bojowald, then a twenty-seven-year-old post-doc at Pennsylvania State University, used a relatively new theory called loop quantum gravity—a cunning combination of Einstein’s theory of gravity with quantum mechanics—to create a simple model of the universe. Loop quantum cosmology was born, and with it, a theory that managed to do something even Einstein’s general theory of relativity had failed to do—illuminate the very birth of the universe. Ever since, loop quantum cosmology, or LQC, has been tantalizing physicists with the idea that our universe could conceivably have emerged from the collapse of a previous one. Now the theory is poised to formulate hypotheses we can actually test. If they are verified, the big bang will give way to the big bounce. Instead of a universe that emerged from a point of infinite density, we will have one that recycles, possibly through an eternal series of expansions and contractions, with no beginning and no end. Bojowald’s major realization was that unlike general relativity, the physics of LQC do not break down at the big bang. The greatest mystery surrounding the origin of the universe is what cosmologists call the big bang “singularity”—the point at the beginning of the universe, prior to the existence of space and time, when gravity, along with the temperature and density of the universe, becomes infinite. The equations of general relativity can’t cope with such infinities, and as a result big bang theory has never been able to give any explanation for the initial condition of our universe, succeeding only in describing and explaining the evolution of the universe from that instant onward. Bojowald’s theory takes us right up to the first moment of the universe—and then back, even before the big bang itself.

Once Before Time: A Whole Story of the Universe

Science & Math

Bojowald, Martin

Astronomy & Space Science

KNOPF

In his introduction to a revolutionary theory of the cosmos, Martin Bojowald shows how the big bang theory may give way to the big bounce theory, which describes our universe as an eternal series of expansions and contractions, with no beginning and no end. In 2000, Bojowald, then a twenty-seven-year-old postdoctoral student at Pennsylvania State University, used a relatively new theory called loop quantum gravity—a cunning combination of Einstein’s theory of gravity with quantum mechanics—to create a simple model of the universe. Loop quantum cosmology, or LQC, was born, and with it, a theory that managed to do something even Einstein’s general theory of relativity had failed to do—illuminate the very birth of the universe.

Vintage

Canonical methods are a powerful mathematical tool within the field of gravitational research, both theoretical and experimental, and have contributed to a number of recent developments in physics. Providing mathematical foundations as well as physical applications, this is the first systematic explanation of canonical methods in gravity. The book discusses the mathematical and geometrical notions underlying canonical tools, highlighting their applications in all aspects of gravitational research from advanced mathematical foundations to modern applications in cosmology and black hole physics. The main canonical formulations, including the Arnowitt-Deser-Misner (ADM) formalism and Ashtekar variables, are derived and discussed. Ideal for both graduate students and researchers, this book provides a link between standard introductions to general relativity and advanced expositions of black hole physics, theoretical cosmology or quantum gravity.

Canonical Gravity and Applications: Cosmology, Black Holes, and Quantum Gravity

Cambridge University Press

Product Description 
This book lays the foundations of quantum cosmology, developing classical cosmology and quantum physics based on general principles without requiring detailed background knowledge in these fields. Throughout the book, the discussion focuses on the physical meaning of space-time - classical or quantum - and on the important requirement of general covariance. Various classical models are derived from this condition and applied to basic questions in cosmology and the physics of black holes. The book's introduction of relevant ingredients from quantum physics makes it possible to derive fundamental features of quantum cosmology, to present the main approaches to quantum gravity, including string theory and causal dynamical triangulations, and to outline some of their cosmological implications. It is an essential guide for researchers in quantum gravity and astrophysicists interested in fundamental aspects of cosmology.

Foundations of Quantum Cosmology

Institute of Physics Publishing

The applications of quantum gravity theory are epoch-making: only such a theory can explain how black holes really behave and where our universe came from. This volume uses accessible models to cover a number of relevant topics including loop quantization.

Quantum Cosmology: A Fundamental Description of the Universe (Lecture Notes in Physics, 835)

Springer

Zurück vor den Urknall: Die ganze Geschichte des Universums

Fischer S. Verlag GmbH

Written by a well-known author in the field, this book presents a modern understanding of the universe based on relativity, quantum physics and their elusive combination. It introduces the crucial theoretical ingredients in an accessible way, starting from the physics of Newton and developing subsequent theories all the way to the modern enigma of quantum gravity. The intermediate level presentation assumes only a general knowledge of math and physics, adopting a "two-level" approach: equations are retained throughout the chapters but set apart from the main text in boxes to allow for lay readers to understand the book. For scientists, researchers, students and lecturers in cosmology, astronomy, gravitation, quantum and theoretical physics; as well as mathematicians, students, lecturers, academics and non-experts in related fields with an interest in the subject.

The Universe: A View from Classical and Quantum Gravity

Wiley-VCH

Written by a well-known author in the field, this book presents a modern understanding of the universe based on relativity, quantum physics and their elusive combination. It introduces the crucial theoretical ingredients in an accessible way, starting from the physics of Newton and developing subsequent theories all the way to the modern enigma of quantum gravity. The intermediate level presentation assumes only a general knowledge of math and physics, adopting a "two-level" approach: equations are retained throughout the chapters but set apart from the main text in boxes to allow for lay readers to understand the book. For scientists, researchers, students and lecturers in cosmology, astronomy, gravitation, quantum and theoretical physics; as well as mathematicians, students, lecturers, academics and non-experts in related fields with an interest in the subject.

Zurück vor den Urknall: Die ganze Geschichte des Universums (Fischer Taschenbücher Allgemeine Reihe)

FISCHER Taschenbuch

Antes del Big Bang: Una historia completa del universo (Spanish Edition)

Debate

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Bojowald, Martin. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Bojowald, Martin

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Bojowald, Martin. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Once Before Time: A Whole Story of the Universe

Once Before Time: A Whole Story of the Universe

Canonical Gravity and Applications: Cosmology, Black Holes, and Quantum Gravity

Foundations of Quantum Cosmology

Quantum Cosmology: A Fundamental Description of the Universe (Lecture Notes in Physics, 835)

Zurück vor den Urknall: Die ganze Geschichte des Universums

The Universe: A View from Classical and Quantum Gravity

The Universe: A View from Classical and Quantum Gravity

Zurück vor den Urknall: Die ganze Geschichte des Universums (Fischer Taschenbücher Allgemeine Reihe)

Antes del Big Bang: Una historia completa del universo (Spanish Edition)