PIRSA:12050072

Two-dimensional Conformal Symmetry of Short-distance Spacetime

Carlip, S. (2012). Two-dimensional Conformal Symmetry of Short-distance Spacetime. Perimeter Institute. https://pirsa.org/12050072

Carlip, Steve. Two-dimensional Conformal Symmetry of Short-distance Spacetime. Perimeter Institute, May. 11, 2012, https://pirsa.org/12050072 

          @misc{ pirsa_PIRSA:12050072,
            doi = {10.48660/12050072},
            url = {https://pirsa.org/12050072},
            author = {Carlip, Steve},
            keywords = {Quantum Gravity},
            language = {en},
            title = {Two-dimensional Conformal Symmetry of Short-distance Spacetime},
            publisher = {Perimeter Institute},
            year = {2012},
            month = {may},
            note = {PIRSA:12050072 see, \url{https://pirsa.org}}
          }

Steve Carlip

University of California, Davis

Talk number
PIRSA:12050072
Collection
Talk Type
Subject
Abstract
Evidence from several approaches to quantum gravity hints at the possibility that spacetime undergoes a "spontaneous dimensional reduction" at very short distances.  If this is the case, the small scale universe might be described by a theory with two-dimensional conformal symmetry.  I will summarize the evidence for dimensional reduction and indicate a tentative path towards using this conformal invariance to explore quantum gravity.