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A Step Closer to Quantum Theory of Gravity

Posted by Hemos on from the getting-it-all-together dept.

ruszka writes "PhysicsWeb has an article on two condensed matter theorists that have come up with a new way of looking at the Quantum Hall effect.. It says this could go to be "a small step towards one of the ultimate goals in theoretical physics - a quantum theory of gravity""

4 of 24 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Well, that went completely over my head... by jeff67 · · Score: 2, Informative

    http://www.bell-labs.com/news/1998/october/20/3.ht ml

    Try a search engine.

  2. String Theory by CptLogic · · Score: 2, Informative

    Actually a wonderful Quantum Gravitational Theory has been put forward by Superstring theory.

    In the mid 90's, the 5 seemingly disparate String theories were united by a common, unifying theoretical structure that included 11 Dimensional Quantum Gravity.

    The problems that have beset String theory since are the limitations of perturbative methods of mathematical solutions in providing exact answers in the extreme arena of string theory.

    If you've not already read it, the book "The Elegant Universe" by Brian Greene gives a great explanation of this area of theoretical physics, even if it is 5 years out of date now.

    http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/037570811 1/ qid=1004615200/sr=2-1/ref=sr_2_11_1/103-5726037-41 19066

    if you're interested, priced 9 of your US Dollars.

    Chris.

  3. Re:Well, that went completely over my head... by smaughster · · Score: 2, Informative

    See here for a short introduction to the Hall and Quantum Hall effect.

    --
    I intend to live forever, so far so good.
  4. The non-typo link is... by jmichaelg · · Score: 3, Informative

    Fractional quantum hall effect