Supersymmetric Quantum Cosmology [Paperback]

A comprehensive and coherent introduction to modern quantum cosmology.This timely volume provides the first comprehensive and coherent introduction to modern quantum cosmology - the study of the universe as a whole according to the laws of quantum mechanics. In particular, it presents a useful survey of the many profound consequences of supersymmetry (supergravity) in quantum cosmology. Ample introductory material is included, ensuring this topical volume is well suited as a graduate text. Researchers in theoretical and mathematical physics, applied maths and cosmology will also find it of immediate interest.This timely volume provides the first comprehensive and coherent introduction to modern quantum cosmology - the study of the universe as a whole according to the laws of quantum mechanics. In particular, it presents a useful survey of the many profound consequences of supersymmetry (supergravity) in quantum cosmology. Ample introductory material is included, ensuring this topical volume is well suited as a graduate text. Researchers in theoretical and mathematical physics, applied maths and cosmology will also find it of immediate interest.This first comprehensive and coherent introduction to modern quantum cosmology presents a useful survey of the many profound consequences of supersymmetry (supergravity) in quantum cosmology. Covering a general introduction to quantum cosmology, Hamiltonian supergravity and canonical quantization and quantum amplitudes through to models of supersymmetric mini superspace and quantum wormholes, it also includes exciting further developments, including the possible finiteness of supergravity. With ample introductory material, this topical volume is well suited as a graduate text for students and researchers in theoretical and mathematical physics, and cosmology.1. Introduction; 2. Quantum cosmology; 3. Hamiltonian supergravity and canonical quantization; 4. The quantum amplitude; 5. Supersymmetric mini-superspace models; 6. Superl3¡