{
  "id": "1504.00586",
  "version": "v1",
  "published": "2015-04-02T15:08:03.000Z",
  "updated": "2015-04-02T15:08:03.000Z",
  "title": "Algebraic quantum field theory in curved spacetimes",
  "authors": [
    "Christopher J. Fewster",
    "Rainer Verch"
  ],
  "comment": "62pp. Expository article with some new results",
  "categories": [
    "math-ph",
    "math.MP"
  ],
  "abstract": "This article sets out the framework of algebraic quantum field theory in curved spacetimes, based on the idea of local covariance. In this framework, a quantum field theory is modelled by a functor from a category of spacetimes to a category of ($C^*$)-algebras obeying supplementary conditions. Among other things: (a) the key idea of relative Cauchy evolution is described in detail, and related to the stress-energy tensor; (b) a systematic \"rigidity argument\" is used to generalise results from flat to curved spacetimes; (c) a detailed discussion of the issue of selection of physical states is given, linking notions of stability at microscopic, mesoscopic and macroscopic scales; (d) the notion of subtheories and global gauge transformations are formalised; (e) it is shown that the general framework excludes the possibility of there being a single preferred state in each spacetime, if the choice of states is local and covariant. Many of the ideas are illustrated by the example of the free Klein-Gordon theory, which is given a new \"universal definition\".",
  "revisions": [
    {
      "version": "v1",
      "updated": "2015-04-02T15:08:03.000Z"
    }
  ],
  "analyses": {
    "keywords": [
      "algebraic quantum field theory",
      "curved spacetimes",
      "free klein-gordon theory",
      "algebras obeying supplementary conditions",
      "general framework excludes"
    ],
    "tags": [
      "expository article"
    ],
    "note": {
      "typesetting": "TeX",
      "pages": 62,
      "language": "en",
      "license": "arXiv",
      "status": "editable",
      "adsabs": "2015arXiv150400586F",
      "inspire": 1357938
    }
  }
}