Two-dimensional gravity with a dynamical aether

Christopher Eling and Ted Jacobson
Phys. Rev. D 74, 084027 – Published 23 October 2006

Abstract

We investigate the two-dimensional behavior of gravity coupled to a dynamical unit timelike vector field, i.e. “Einstein-aether theory.” The classical solutions of this theory in two dimensions depend on one coupling constant. When this coupling is positive the only solutions are (i) flat spacetime with constant aether, (ii) de Sitter or anti-de Sitter spacetimes with a uniformly accelerated unit vector invariant under a two-dimensional subgroup of SO(2,1) generated by a boost and a null rotation, and (iii) a nonconstant curvature spacetime that has no Killing symmetries and contains singularities. In this case the sign of the curvature is determined by whether the coupling is less or greater than one. When instead the coupling is negative only solutions (i) and (iii) are present. This classical study of the behavior of Einstein-aether theory in 1+1 dimensions may provide a starting point for further investigations into semiclassical and fully quantum toy models of quantum gravity with a dynamical preferred frame.

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Received 10 August 2006

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.74.084027

©2006 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Christopher Eling* and Ted Jacobson

  • Department of Physics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742-4111 USA

  • *Electronic address: cteling@physics.umd.edu
  • Electronic address: jacobson@umd.edu

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 74, Iss. 8 — 15 October 2006

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options
Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review D

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×