Loop Quantum Gravity
Prof. Dr. Thomas Thiemann (Max-Planck-Institut f. Gravitationsphysik, AEI, Golm)

Loop Quantum Gravity (LQG) is a candidate for a theory that consistently combines the principles of General Relativity and Quantum Theory. A crucial property of LQG that distinguishes it from other approaches is the manifest implementation of a central principle of Einstein's theory: Background independence. By this is meant that in General Relativity there is no a priori distinguished background geometry, rather geometry and matter are dynamical and evolve in tandem as described by Einstein's equations. In this talk we give an introduction to the elements of LQG and show that LQG naturally emerges when combining background independence with standard canonical quantisation.