The geometry of quantum spin networks

The discrete picture of geometry arising from the loop representation of quantum gravity can be extended by a quantum deformation of the observable algebra. Operators for area and volume are extended to this theory and, partly, diagonalized. The eigenstates are expressed in terms of q-deformed spin networks. The q-deformation breaks some of the degeneracy of the volume operator so that trivalent spin networks have non-zero volume. These computations are facilitated by use of a technique based on the recoupling theory of SU(2)(q), which simplifies the construction of these and other operators through diffeomorphism invariant regularization procedures.