PIRSA:26040133 Scientific Series Other

DOI10.48660/26040133

Series: Training Programs (TEOSP)

Kogios, A. (2026). Introduction to Spinfoams: Covariant Dynamics in Loop Quantum Gravity. Perimeter Institute. https://pirsa.org/26040133

Kogios, Athanasios. Introduction to Spinfoams: Covariant Dynamics in Loop Quantum Gravity. Perimeter Institute, Apr. 20, 2026, https://pirsa.org/26040133 

@misc{ pirsa_PIRSA:26040133,
  doi = {10.48660/26040133},
  url = {https://pirsa.org/26040133},
  author = {Kogios, Athanasios},
  keywords = {Other},
  language = {en},
  title = {Introduction to Spinfoams: Covariant Dynamics in Loop Quantum Gravity},
  publisher = {Perimeter Institute},
  year = {2026},
  month = {apr},
  note = {PIRSA:26040133 see, \url{https://pirsa.org}}
}

Abstract

As a continuation of the canonical formulation of Loop Quantum Gravity, I will present an introduction to its covariant, path‑integral formulation in terms of spinfoams. Starting from the interpretation of spin networks as quantum states of geometry, I will explain how spinfoams arise as histories interpolating between such states and how they define transition amplitudes encoding the dynamics of quantum spacetime. I will outline the conceptual shift from Hamiltonian evolution to a sum‑over‑histories description, emphasizing background independence and the role of boundary data. I will then discuss how gravity can be understood as a constrained BF theory and highlight the role of the simplicity constraints in selecting the gravitational sector. Finally, I will briefly comment on the geometric interpretation of spinfoam amplitudes, the semiclassical limit, and the current status and open issues of the covariant approach.

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