Discrete structures in gravity (Q2738030)

Discreteness possesses deeper significance and practical utility when compared to the continuity, though the latter has its own classical beauty and convenience. Regge's name is quite familiar in many contexts of theoretical physics, specialy the elementary particle theories (Regge pole!).NEWLINENEWLINENEWLINEHere the authors have reviewed briefly certain discrete approaches to gravity, both classical as well as quantum, with emphasis on the method using piecewise-linear spaces. Specific models of 3-dimensional quantum gravity (QG) involving \(6j\)-symbols are then described. The relationship of these models in both 3 and 4 dimensions to relevant topological theories is explored. Repercussions of the generalization are examined in the original formulation of discrete gravity with the help of edge-length variables.NEWLINENEWLINENEWLINESubsections in each of the four main sections do give the particulars of the arguments and analysis forming the core of the work, which throughout smells well the Regge effect.