# How is Matter Modelled in Loop Quantum Gravity?

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I have a basic understanding of how gravitational degrees of freedom are modelled in loop quantum gravity, but as far as I know, the main machinery - spin network states and observables, does not encode the matter degrees of freedom. My question is simply: How is matter currently modelled in loop quantum gravity?

Edit: Actually, the question applies not only to matter as in fermionic matter, but also the other three forces. The LQG spin networks are based around the SU2 symmetry of Ashtekar's gauge description of gravity - how do they incorporate the other gauge groups?

This post imported from StackExchange Physics at 2014-03-22 17:03 (UCT), posted by SE-user twistor59
asked Feb 27, 2013
Concerning chiral matter in LQG, see also pt. 4 in this Phys.SE post or pt. 7 in this blog page, both by Lubos Motl.

This post imported from StackExchange Physics at 2014-03-22 17:03 (UCT), posted by SE-user Qmechanic
@Qmechanic Right, that's exactly along the lines I was thinking. But I read up on LQG a couple of years ago now, and I was wondering if any new developments had come along in the meantime. Though the model elements are so intimately linked with gravity I can't imagine how you would weave matter into it.

This post imported from StackExchange Physics at 2014-03-22 17:03 (UCT), posted by SE-user twistor59
Ha, thats a fun question, I am curious about that too. And you have choosen the right time to post it when Lumo is asleep ... :- D

This post imported from StackExchange Physics at 2014-03-22 17:03 (UCT), posted by SE-user Dilaton

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