Gravitational θ states and the wave function of the universe

J. B. Hartle and D. M. Witt
Phys. Rev. D 37, 2833 – Published 15 May 1988
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Abstract

The naive no-boundary wave function of the universe is shown to be invariant under diffeomorphisms only for the simplest spacetime topologies. A more general construction which does give an invariant wave function of the universe is exhibited. Similar problems, some familiar, some not, are encountered in a wide range of theories whose physical configuration space is topologically nontrivial. These include the theory of identical particles, Yang-Mills theory, higher-dimensional gravity, and membrane theories. The sum-over-histories formulation of quantum mechanics provides a unified approach to these problems and their resolution.

  • Received 1 February 1988

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.37.2833

©1988 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

J. B. Hartle and D. M. Witt

  • Department of Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106

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Issue

Vol. 37, Iss. 10 — 15 May 1988

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