Kinematical Foundations of Loop Quantum Cosmology

Abstract: First, we review the $C^\ast$-algebraic foundations of loop quantization, in particular, the construction of quantum configuration spaces and the implementation of symmetries. Then, we apply these results to loop quantum gravity, focusing on the space of generalized connections and on measures thereon. Finally, we study the realm of homogeneous isotropic loop quantum cosmology: once viewed as the loop quantization of classical cosmology, once seen as the symmetric sector of loop quantum gravity. It will turn out that both theories differ, i.e., quantization and symmetry reduction do not commute. Moreover, we will present a uniqueness result for kinematical measures. These last two key results have originally been due to Hanusch; here, we give drastically simplified and direct proofs.