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Possible astrophysical probes of quantum gravity

Abstract:
A satisfactory theory of quantum gravity will very likely require modification of our classical perception of space-time, perhaps by giving it a 'foamy' structure at scales of order the Planck length. This is expected to modify the propagation of photons and other relativistic particles such as neutrinos, such that they will experience a non-trivial refractive index even in vacuo. The implied spontaneous violation of Lorentz invariance may also result in alterations of kinematical thresholds for key astrophysical processes involving high energy cosmic radiation. We discuss experimental probes of these possible manifestations of the fundamental quantum nature of space-time using observations of distant astrophysical sources such as gamma-ray bursts and active galactic nuclei.
Publication status:
Published
Peer review status:
Peer reviewed

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Publisher copy:
10.1142/S0217732302007521

Authors


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Institution:
University of Oxford
Division:
MPLS
Department:
Physics
Sub department:
Theoretical Physics
Role:
Author


Publisher:
World Scientific
Journal:
Modern Physics Letters A More from this journal
Volume:
17
Issue:
15n17
Pages:
1025-1036
Publication date:
2002-01-01
DOI:
EISSN:
1793-6632
ISSN:
0217-7323


Keywords:
Pubs id:
pubs:180117
UUID:
uuid:7baf68a4-b3ff-4cf7-90c9-559016ede124
Local pid:
pubs:180117
Source identifiers:
180117
Deposit date:
2012-12-19

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