Matrix Models, emergent gravity and noncommutative gauge theory

by Harold Steinacker (U Vienna)

Tuesday 21 Apr 2009, 14:00 → 15:00 Europe/Zurich

TH Theory Conference Room (CERN)

A mechanism for 4-D gravity emerging from Yang-Mills matrix models is discussed. The matrix model describes generic noncommutative branes, which in the semi-classical limit acquire an effective metric reminiscent of the open string metric. This leads to an emergent gravity intimately related to noncommutativity, absorbing the would-be U(1) gauge fields. The induced gravitational action captures the UV-IR mixing of NC gauge theory. The quantization is discussed qualitatively, which singles out the IKKT model as a candidate for a quantum theory of gravity coupled to matter. Cosmological solutions and a mechanism for avoiding the cosmological constant problem are discussed.