Two dimensional (Liouville) gravity models higher dimensional
de Sitter cosmology with surprising fidelity,
and yet is an exactly solvable quantum field theory.
Suitable coupling to matter yields models of inflation,
opening new possibilities to explore structure formation,
initial conditions, etc, inluding the effects of quantum gravitational
back-reaction. One may also explore the relation between
quantum gravity and thermodynamics in this context;
some additional possible applications are also described.
Audio requires RealPlayer by RealNetworks.
To begin viewing slides, click on the first slide below. (Or, view as pdf.)