Quantum fields in teleparallel gravity: renormalization at one-loop

We consider the quantization of matter fields in a background described by the teleparallel equivalent to general relativity. The presence of local Lorentz and gauge symmetries gives rise to different coupling prescriptions, which we analyse separately. As expected, quantum matter fields produce divergences that cannot be absorbed by terms in the background action of teleparallel equivalent to general relativity. Nonetheless, the formulation of teleparallel gravity allows one to find out the source of the problem. By imposing local Lorentz invariance after quantization, we show that a modified teleparallel gravity, in which the coefficients in the action are replaced by free parameters, can be renormalized at one-loop order without introducing higher-order terms. This precludes the appearance of ghosts in the theory.

Automated summary

This article studies the quantization of matter fields in a background described by the teleparallel equivalent to general relativity. The presence of local Lorentz and gauge symmetries leads to different coupling prescriptions, which are analyzed separately. As expected, quantum matter fields produce divergences that cannot be absorbed by terms in the background action. However, the formulation of teleparallel gravity allows for the identification of the problem's source. By imposing local Lorentz invariance after quantization, it is shown that a modified teleparallel gravity can be renormalized at one-loop order without introducing higher-order terms, thus preventing the appearance of ghosts in the theory.