Physicists have developed a novel approach to solve one of the most persistent problems in theoretical physics: to unite gravity with the quantum world.
In an article recently published in the magazine Reports on Progress in PhysicsScientists describe a reformulation of gravity that could lead to a completely compatible description, without invoking the additional dimensions or exotic characteristics required by more speculative models, such as String theory.
In the heart of the proposal there is a rethinking of how gravity behaves at a fundamental level. While electromagnetic, weak and strong forces are described using quantum field theory, a mathematical framework that incorporates uncertainty and duality of the wave party- gravity It is still the atypical value. The general relativity, Einstein’s theory of gravity, is a purely classical theory that describes gravity as the deformation of space-time geometry by mass and energy. But attempts to combine quantum theory with the general relativity of the execution of fatal mathematical inconsistencies, such as infinite probabilities.
The new approach reinterprets the gravitational field in a way that reflects the structure of known quantum field theories. “The key finding is that our theory provides a new approach to quantum severity in a way that resembles the formulation of the other fundamental interactions of the standard model,” the co -author of the Mikko Partnen study, email physicist, told Live.
Instead of curving space-time, the gravity in its model is mediated by four interrelated fields, with each similar to the field that governs electromagnetism. These fields respond to the mass in the same way that the electric and magnetic fields respond to the load and the current. They also interact with each other and with the fields of Standard model In a way that reproduces general relativity at the classical level, while allowing quantum effects to be incorporated consistently.
Because the new model reflects the structure of well -established quantum theories, avoids mathematical problems that have historical efforts to quantify general relativity. According to the authors, their framework produces a well -defined quantum theory that avoids common problems, such as non -physical infinitions in observable quantities and negative probabilities for physical processes, which typically conventions, strangority, strangority, strategist, star relativity, methods.
A key advantage of the approach is its simplicity. Unlike many quantum gravity models that require unclear participations and additional forces, this theory adheres to family land.
“The main advantages or differences compared to many other theories of quantum gravity are that they do not need additional dimensions that do not yet have direct experimental support,” Jukka Tulkki, professor at the University of Aalto and email. “In addition, the theory does not need free parameters beyond known physical constants.”
This means that the theory can be tested without waiting for the discovery of new partners or reviewing existing physical laws. “Any future quantum severity experiment can be used directly to test any prediction (next next) of the theory,” Tulkki added.
Looking to the future
Despite the promising characteristics, the model is still in its early stages. ALLHOUG PRELIMINARY CALCALATIONS indicate that the theory behaves well under the usual consistency controls, a complete proof of its consistency remains to be resolved.
In addition, the framework has not yet been applied to some of the deposit questions in gravitational physics, such as the true nature of Singularities of black holes Or the physics of the Big Bang. “The theory is not yet able to address those main challenges, but it has the potential to do so in the future,” they said.
Experimental verification can be even more elusive. Gravity is the weakest of known forces, and their quantum aspects are subtle incredible. The direct evidence of the quantum severity effects are beyond the reach of the current instruments.
“Trying the effects of quantum severity is a challenge due to the weakness of gravitational interaction,” Tulkki said. Even so, because the theory does not include adjustable parameters, any future experiment that investigates quantum gravitational behavior could confirm or discard, the new proposal.
“Given the current rhythm of theoretical and observational advances, it could take a few decades to make the first experimental advances that give us direct evidence of the effects of quantum gravity,” they said. “Indirect evidence through advanced observations could be given before.”
For now, the work of Partanen and Tulkki opens a new direction for theorists who seek a quantum theory of gravity, one that remains based on successful frames or physics of part, while it is to enhance and trigger.
