Quantum Gravity and the Functional Renormalization Group

During the past two decades the gravitational asymptotic safety scenario has undergone a major transition from an exotic possibility to a serious contender for a realistic theory of quantum gravity. It aims at a mathematically consistent quantum description of the gravitational interaction and the geometry of spacetime within the realm of quantum field theory, which keeps its predictive power at the highest energies. This volume provides a self-contained pedagogical introduction to asymptotic safety, and introduces the functional renormalization group techniques used in its investigation, along with the requisite computational techniques. The foundational chapters are followed by an accessible summary of the results obtained so far. It is the first detailed exposition of asymptotic safety, providing a unique introduction to quantum gravity and it assumes no previous familiarity with the renormalization group. It serves as an important resource for both practising researchers and graduate students entering this maturing field.

• Accessible for students and researchers interested in contributing to the research area as is provides a clear and pedagogical introduction to the asymptotic safety program
• A seminal book to focus on quantum field theory beyond the realm of perturbation theory, providing a standard reference in the field and clarifying many of the common misconceptions that are typically encountered
• Contains both technical background material needed for carrying out research related to asymptotic safety, and appendices of important computational techniques, allowing the reader access to this information in one place
• Provides a major expansion of one of the most cited review articles in the field by including the rapid developments that the field has undergone in the last five years