Phase space descriptions for simplicial 4D geometries

Starting from the canonical phase space for discretized (4D) BF theory, we implement a canonical version of the simplicity constraints and construct phase spaces for simplicial geometries. Our construction allows us to study the connection between different versions of Regge calculus and approaches using connection variables, such as loop quantum gravity. We find that on a fixed triangulation the (gauge invariant) phase space associated with loop quantum gravity is genuinely larger than the one for length and even area Regge calculus. Rather, it corresponds to the phase space of area-angle Regge calculus, as defined in [1] (prior to the imposition of gluing constraints, which ensure the metricity of the triangulation). Finally, we show that for a subclass of triangulations one can construct first-class Hamiltonian and diffeomorphism constraints leading to flat 4D spacetimes.