The first comprehensive survey of (2+1)-dimensional quantum gravity - for graduate students and researchers.

The first comprehensive survey of (2+1)-dimensional quantum gravity - for graduate students and researchers.

This volume contains Introductory Notes and major reprints on conformal field theory and its applications to 2-dimensional statistical mechanics of critical phenomena. The subject relates to many different areas in contemporary physics and mathematics, including string theory, integrable systems, representations of infinite Lie algebras and automorphic functions.

This book, A Finite Unified Quantum Field Theory of the Elementary Particle Standard Model and Quantum Gravity Based on New Quantum Dimensions and a New Paradigm in the Calculus of Variations, develops a new formulation of quantum field theory. Within this framework, a finite unified quantum field theory of the known forces of nature - electromagnetism, the weak interactions, the strong interactions and gravity - is created. The conventional Standard Model is the large distance limit of the elementary particle sector of the unified theory. The Quantum Gravity sector is finite in this formulation. Its large distance limit is Einsteinian gravity. This unified theory contains no divergences - thus solving a major problem that has bedeviled quantum field theory for the past seventy years. The theory is based on a new form of hidden dimensions: Quantum Dimensions, that only manifest themselves at ultra-high energies. Some new phenomena that result are: * Unification of QED, Weak Interactions, Strong Interactions and Quantum Gravity.* Finite - No divergences.* Finite also with massive vector bosons: No need for Higgs mechanism.* Low Energy Limit: Approximates Standard Model (and QED) to arbitrary accuracy.* Suggests possible doubly charged dilepton resonances.* Large Distance limit of Quantum Gravity: Newtonian gravitational potential.* No ultra-microscopic Black Holes.* A New form of hidden dimensions: Quantum Dimensions.* A New form of interaction: Dimensional Interactions.* A New paradigm (type of problem) for the Calculus of Variations.

A comprehensible introduction to the most fascinating research in theoretical physics: advanced quantum gravity. Ideal for researchers and graduate students.

In the past few years there has been much study of random two dimensional surfaces. These provide simple models of string theories with a few degrees of freedom, as well as toy models of quantum gravity. They have possible applications to the statistical mechanics of phase boundaries and to the development of an effective string description of QCD.Recently, methods have been developed to treat these theories nonperturbatively, based on discrete triangulations of the surfaces that can be generated by simple matrix models. Exact solutions with a rich mathematical structure have emerged. All these matters are discussed fully in this book.