Canonical methods are a powerful mathematical tool within the field of gravitational research, both theoretical and experimental, and have contributed to a number of recent developments in physics. Providing mathematical foundations as well as physical applications, this is the first systematic explanation of canonical methods in gravity. The book discusses the mathematical and geometrical notions underlying canonical tools, highlighting their applications in all aspects of gravitational research from advanced mathematical foundations to modern applications in cosmology and black hole physics. The main canonical formulations, including the Arnowitt-Deser-Misner (ADM) formalism and Ashtekar variables, are derived and discussed. Ideal for both graduate students and researchers, this book provides a link between standard introductions to general relativity and advanced expositions of black hole physics, theoretical cosmology or quantum gravity.

This book provides a complete treatise of the canonical quantisation of general relativity and the loop quantum gravity theory. Mathematical concepts are provided, so it can be read by graduate students with a basic knowledge of quantum field theory or general relativity.

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

Notes prepared in Collaboration with Ranjeet S Tate It is now generally recognized that perturbative field theoretical methods that have been highly successful in the quantum description of non-gravitational interactions cannot be used as a means of constructing a quantum theory of gravity. The primary aim of the book is to present an up- to-date account of a non-perturbative, canonical quantization program for gravity. Many of the technical results obtained in the process are of interest also to differential geometry, classical general relativity and QCD. The program as a whole was highlighted in virtually every major conference in gravitational physics over the past three years.

An overview of semi-classical gravity theory and stochastic gravity as theories of quantum gravity in curved space-time.

This book provides an accessible introduction to loop quantum gravity and some of its applications, at a level suitable for undergraduate students and others with only a minimal knowledge of college level physics. In particular it is not assumed that the reader is familiar with general relativity and only minimally familiar with quantum mechanics and Hamiltonian mechanics. Most chapters end with problems that elaborate on the text, and aid learning. Applications such as loop quantum cosmology, black hole entropy and spin foams are briefly covered. The text is ideally suited for an undergraduate course in the senior year of a physics major. It can also be used to introduce undergraduates to general relativity and quantum field theory as part of a 'special topics' type of course.

The first textbook on this important topic, for graduate students and researchers in particle and condensed matter physics.

Quantum theory and Einstein's theory of relativity are at the centre of modern theoretical physics, yet, the consistent unification of both theories is still elusive. This book offers an up-to-date introduction into the attempts to construct a unified theory of "quantum gravity".

Proceedings of the NATO Advanced Study Institute, held in Cargèse, France from 17-29 August 1998