PIRSA:26040133

Video URL

https://pirsa.org/26040133

Introduction to Spinfoams: Covariant Dynamics in Loop Quantum Gravity

Kogios, A. (2026). Introduction to Spinfoams: Covariant Dynamics in Loop Quantum Gravity. Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. https://pirsa.org/26040133

Kogios, Athanasios. Introduction to Spinfoams: Covariant Dynamics in Loop Quantum Gravity. Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, Apr. 20, 2026, https://pirsa.org/26040133 

          @misc{ scivideos_PIRSA:26040133,
            doi = {10.48660/26040133},
            url = {https://pirsa.org/26040133},
            author = {Kogios, Athanasios},
            keywords = {Other Physics},
            language = {en},
            title = {Introduction to Spinfoams: Covariant Dynamics in Loop Quantum Gravity},
            publisher = {Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics},
            year = {2026},
            month = {apr},
            note = {PIRSA:26040133 see, \url{https://scivideos.org/pirsa/26040133}}
          }

Athanasios Kogios Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics

Talk numberPIRSA:26040133
DOI10.48660/26040133
Source RepositoryPIRSA
Collection
Talk Type Scientific Series
Subject

Abstract

As a continuation of the canonical formulation of Loop Quantum Gravity, I will present an introduction to its covariant, path‑integral formulation in terms of spinfoams. Starting from the interpretation of spin networks as quantum states of geometry, I will explain how spinfoams arise as histories interpolating between such states and how they define transition amplitudes encoding the dynamics of quantum spacetime. I will outline the conceptual shift from Hamiltonian evolution to a sum‑over‑histories description, emphasizing background independence and the role of boundary data. I will then discuss how gravity can be understood as a constrained BF theory and highlight the role of the simplicity constraints in selecting the gravitational sector. Finally, I will briefly comment on the geometric interpretation of spinfoam amplitudes, the semiclassical limit, and the current status and open issues of the covariant approach.