The Third Way to 3D Gravity

Abstract

Consistency of Einstein's gravitational field equation $G_{μν} \propto T_{μν}$ imposes a "conservation condition" on the $T$-tensor that is satisfied by (i) matter stress tensors, as a consequence of the matter equations of motion, and (ii) identically by certain other tensors, such as the metric tensor. However, there is a third way, overlooked until now because it implies a "non-geometrical" action: one {\it not} constructed from the metric and its derivatives alone. The new possibility is exemplified by the 3D "minimal massive gravity" model, which resolves the "bulk vs. boundary" unitarity problem of topologically massive gravity with anti-de Sitter asymptotics. Although all known examples of the third way are in three spacetime dimensions, the idea is general and could, in principle, apply to higher-dimensional theories.

Written for the Gravity Research Foundation essay competition 2015, received an honorable mention