Two toy models are considered within the framework of noncommutative differential geometry. In the first one, the Einstein action of the Levi–Civita connection is computed for the algebra of matrix valued functions on a torus. It is shown that, assuming some constraints on the metric, this action splits into a classical‐like, a quantum‐like and a mixed term. In the second model, an analogue of the Palatini method of variation is applied to obtain critical points of the Einstein action functional for M4(R). It is pointed out that a solution to the Palatini variational problem is not necessarily a Levi–Civita connection. In this model, no additional assumptions regarding metrics are made.
REFERENCES
1.
M.
Dubois-Violette
, R.
Kerner
, and J.
Madore
, “Noncommutative differential geometry and new models of gauge theory
,” J. Math. Phys.
31
, 323
–330
(1990
).2.
M.
Dubois-Violette
, R.
Kerner
, and J.
Madore
, “Noncommutative differential geometry of matrix algebras
,” J. Math. Phys.
31
, 316
–322
(1990
).3.
M. Dubois-Violette, “Noncommutative differential geometry, quantum mechanics and gauge theory,” Differential Geometric Methods in Theoretical Physics and Gauge Theory, edited by C. Bartocci, U. Bruzzo, and R. Cianci (Springer- Verlag, New York, 1991).
4.
D. Bleecker, Gauge Theory and Variational Principles (Addison-Wesley, New York, 1981).
5.
D.
Kastler
and R.
Stora
, “Lie-Cartan pairs
,” J. Geom. Phys.
2
, 1
–31
(1985
).6.
M.
Spera
, “A symplectic approach to Yang-Mills theory for non commutative tori
,” Can. J. Math.
44
, 368
–387
(1992
).7.
N. Bourbaki, Algebra I (Springer-Verlag, New York, 1989).
8.
M. Dubois-Violette and P. W. Michor, “Connections on central bimodules,” q-alg/9503020.
9.
J.
Madore
and J.
Mourad
, “Algebraic Kaluza-Klein cosmology
,” Class. Quantum Grav.
10
, 2157
–2170
(1993
).10.
J.
Madore
, “Modification of Kaluza-Klein theory
,” Phys. Rev. D
41
, 3709
–3719
(1990
).11.
J.
Mourad
, “Linear connections in noncommutative geometry
,” Class. Quantum Grav.
12
, 965
–974
(1995
).12.
J.
Madore
, T.
Masson
, and J.
Mourad
, “Linear connections on matrix geometries
,” Class. Quantum Grav.
12
, 1429
–1440
(1995
).13.
A. Trautman, Differential Geometry for Physicists (Bibliopolis, Napoli, 1984).
14.
C. W. Misner, K. S. Thorne, and J. A. Wheeler, Gravitation (Freeman and Company, San Francisco 1973).
15.
M. Göckeler and T. Schücker, Differential Geometry, Gauge Theories, and Gravity (Cambridge University, Cambridge, 1989).
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1996 American Institute of Physics.
1996
American Institute of Physics
You do not currently have access to this content.