Invariant Measure of the One Loop Quantum Gravitational Back-Reaction on Inflation

Abstract: We use dimensional regularization in pure quantum gravity on de Sitter background to evaluate the one loop expectation value of an invariant operator which gives the local expansion rate. We show that the renormalization of this nonlocal composite operator can be accomplished using the counterterms of a simple local theory of gravity plus matter, at least at one loop order. This renormalization completely absorbs the one loop correction, which accords with the prediction that the lowest secular back-reaction should be a 2-loop effect.