Anomaly-free deformations of spherical general relativity coupled to matter

A systematic approach is developed in order to obtain spherically symmetric midisuperspace models that accept holonomy modifications in the presence of matter fields with local degrees of freedom. In particular, starting from the most general Hamiltonian quadratic in radial derivatives of the variables, we obtain a family of effective modified constraints that satisfy Dirac's deformation algebra, which encodes the covariance of general relativity, and show that (scale-dependent) holonomy corrections can be consistently implemented. In vacuum, the deformed anomaly-free Hamiltonian is explicitly written in terms of three free functions and we obtain a weak observable that can be interpreted as the mass of the model. Finally, as a particular example, we present a specific covariant polymeric model that remains regular for any value of the connection components. Some of its physical implications and the relation with previous studies in the literature are commented upon.

Automated summary

A systematic approach is developed to obtain spherically symmetric midisuperspace models with matter fields, showing that scale-dependent holonomy corrections can be consistently implemented. The deformed anomaly-free Hamiltonian is explicitly written in terms of three free functions, and a weak observable representing the mass of the model is obtained. Additionally, a specific covariant polymeric model is presented, remaining regular for any value of the connection components and commenting on its physical implications and relation to previous studies.