The two volumes that comprise Quantum Cosmology tackle the quantum description of the early universe from the perspective of supersymmetric models of elementary particle physics.

The first volume is an accessible primer that covers the basics of the field, critically discussing ideas and concepts that comprise our current knowledge of supersymmetry and supergravity. After reviewing the fundamentals, it provides a thorough analysis of a first set of quantum cosmological models. The second volume is dedicated to more advanced topics. In it, the scope for analyzing quantum cosmological models within a supersymmetric framework is broadened.

As much as possible, these two volumes treat what we know, what we think we know and what we think we do not know on an equal footing. Complete with problems and solutions for each chapter, the books are ideal for young, inquisitive minds eager to embark on in-depth research in this field. They provide readers with the tools they need to go on their own, pushing them to ask the right questions rather than seek definitive answers.

Klappentext

We read in order to know we are not alone, I once heard, and perhaps it could also be suggested that we write in order not to be alone, to endorse, to promote continuity. The idea for this book took about 10 years to materialize, and it is the author's hope that its content will constitute the beginning of further explorations beyond current horizons. More speci cally, this book appeals to the reader to engage upon and persevere with a journey, moving through the less well explored territories in the evolution of the very early universe, and pushing towards new landscapes. P- haps, during or after consulting this book, this attitude and this willingness will be embraced by someone, somewhere, and this person will go on to enrich our quantum cosmological description of the early universe, by means of a clearer supersymm- ric perspective. It is to these creative and inquisitive 'young minds' that the book is addressed. The reader will not therefore nd in this book all the answers to all the problems regarding a supersymmetric and quantum description of the early universe, and this remark is substantiated in the book by a list of unresolved and challenging problems, itself incomplete.

Inhalt

Overview.- Further Essentials.- 'Observational' Quantum Cosmology.- Additional SUSY and SUGRA Issues SUSY SUSY breaking SUSY supersymmetric quantum mechanics Supersymmetric quantum mechanics (SQM) .- Semiclassical N=1 Supergravity.- Complementary Frameworks in SQC.- Further Explorations in SQC N = 1 SUGRA.- Connections and Loops Within SQC SQC connection quantization SQC loop quantization SQC Ashtekar-Jacobson formulation .- SQC Matrix Representation.- N = 2 (Local) Conformal Supersymmetry.- More Points of Departure.- More Obstacles and Results: From QC to SQC.- More Routes Beyond the Borders.