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Quantum mechanics and quantum field theory on one hand and Gravity as a theory of curved space-time on the other are the two great conc- tual schemes of modern theoretical physics. For many decades they have lived peacefully together for a simple reason: it was a coexistence wi- out much interaction. There has been the family of relativists and the other family of elementary particle physicists and both sides have been convinced that their problems have not very much to do with the problems of the respective other side. This was a situation which could not last forever, because the two theoretical schemes have a particular structural trait in common: their claim for totality and universality. Namely on one hand all physical theories have to be formulated in a quantum mechanical manner, and on the other hand gravity as curved space-time influences all processes and vice versa. It was therefore only a question of time that physically relevant domains of application would attract a general int- est, which demand a combined application of both theoretical schemes. But it is immediately obvious that such an application of both schemes is - possible if the schemes are taken as they are. Something new is needed which reconciles gravity and quantum mechanics. During the last two de- des we are now doing the first steps towards this more general theory and we are confronted with fundamental difficulties.
List of contents
Lectures.- Neutron Interferometry - Macroscopic Manifestations of Quantum Mechanics.- The Geometry of Matter Fields.- Quantum Mechanics in Curved Space-Times - Stochastic Processes on Frame Bundles.- Particles and Fields.- Quantum Mechanics of Black Holes in Curved Space-Time.- Absorption Cross Section of a Mini Black Hole.- Particle Creation and Vacuum Polarization near Black Holes.- Vacuum States in Space-Times with Killing Horizons.- Mutually Interacting Quantum Fields in Curved Space-Time: The Outcome of Physical Processes.- Quantum Strings in Curved Space-Times.- The Probabilistic Time and the Semiclassical Approximation of Quantum Gravity.- Quantum and Statistical Effects in Superspace Cosmology.- On Quantum Gravity for Homogeneous Pure Radiation Universes.- Nonlinear Sigma Models in 4 Dimensions: A Lattice Definition.- Seminars.- Berry's Phase and Particle Interferometry in Weak Gravitational Fields.- The Final State of an Evaporating Black Hole and the Dimensionality of the Space-Time.- Inflation with Massive Spin-2 Field in Curved Spa?e-Time.- Renormalization of Field Theories in Riemann-Cartan Space-Time.
About the author
Prof. Dr. Jürgen Audretsch, geboren 1942, ist Lehrstuhlinhaber für Theoretische Physik an der Universität Konstanz. Forschungsgebiete: Quantenoptik, Quantenfeldtheorie sowie die Allgemeine Relativitätstheorie. Neben zahlreichen Artikeln in Fachzeitschriften und Sammelbänden schreibt er für einen breiteren Leserkreis, der sich mit den Beziehungen zwischen Physik und Wissenschaftstheorie sowie zwischen Physik und Theologie befasst.
Summary
Proceedings of a NATO ARW held in Erice, Sicily, Italy, May 2-12, 1989
