000			02224 a2200253 4500
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020			_a9789401085083
082			_a530.1 _bNAR
100			_aNarlikar, J.V.
245			_aGravity, gauge theories and quantum cosmology
260			_bD. Reidel Publishing, _c1986 _aDordrecht:
300			_axv, 468p. ; _bpb, _c24 cm.
365			_aEURO _b219.99
440			_aFundamental theory of physics
504			_aIncludes index
520			_aFor several decades since its inception, Einstein's general theory of relativity stood somewhat aloof from the rest of physics. Paradoxically, the attributes which normally boost a physical theory - namely, its perfection as a theoreti cal framework and the extraordinary intellectual achievement underlying i- prevented the general theory from being assimilated in the mainstream of physics. It was as if theoreticians hesitated to tamper with something that is manifestly so beautiful. Happily, two developments in the 1970s have narrowed the gap. In 1974 Stephen Hawking arrived at the remarkable result that black holes radiate after all. And in the second half of the decade, particle physicists discovered that the only scenario for applying their grand unified theories was offered by the very early phase in the history of the Big Bang universe. In both cases, it was necessary to discuss the ideas of quantum field theory in the background of curved spacetime that is basic to general relativity. This is, however, only half the total story. If gravity is to be brought into the general fold of theoretical physics we have to know how to quantize it. To date this has proved a formidable task although most physicists would agree that, as in the case of grand unified theories, quantum gravity will have applications to cosmology, in the very early stages of the Big Bang universe. In fact, the present picture of the Big Bang universe necessarily forces us to think of quantum cosmology
650			_aQuantum field theory
650			_aQuantum gravity
650			_aCosmology
650			_aGauge fields - Physics
650			_aGeneral relativity - Physics
700			_aPadmanabhan, Thanu _eCo-author
942			_2ddc _cTD
999			_c55939 _d55939