Editorial note to: Matvei P. Bronstein, Quantum theory of weak gravitational fields

From Semiconductors to Quantum Gravity: to Centenary of Matvei Bronstein

Investigation of the many-body condensed-matter systems allows us to connect the microscopic physics at the atomic energy scale and the macroscopic physics emerging in the low-energy corner. It gives some hints on the mechanisms of the formation of the physical laws which our Universe obeys. The paper is devoted to the centenary of Matvei Petrovich Bronstein. 1 Ether of 21-st century Each epoch...

Quantum Systems in Weak Gravitational Fields

Quantum Vacuum Effects in Gravitational Fields: Theory and Detectability

This thesis is devoted to the study of quantum vacuum effects in the presence of strong gravitational fields. We shall see how the quantum vacuum interacts with black hole geometries and how it can play an important role in the interpretation of the gravitational entropy. In this respect particular attention will be given to the peculiar role of the extremal black hole solutions. From this bran...

The gravitational interaction of light: from weak to strong fields

An explanation is proposed for the fact that pp–waves superpose linearly when they propagate parallely, while they interact nonlinearly, scatter and form singularities or Cauchy horizons if they are antiparallel. Parallel pp–waves do interact, but a generalized gravitoelectric force is exactly cancelled by a gravitomagnetic force. In an analogy, the interaction of light beams in linearized gene...

Fermion helicity flip in weak gravitational fields.

The helicity flip of a spin2 Dirac particle interacting gravitationally with a scalar field is analyzed in the context of linearized quantum gravity. It is shown that massive fermions may have their helicity flipped by gravity, in opposition to massless fermions which preserve their helicity. 04.20.Cv, 04.60.+n Typeset using REVTEX 1 The behavior of a spinning particle in a gravitational field ...