Classical space-time geometry in the IKKT matrix model

Abstract: We discuss the reconstruction of generic 3+1-dimensional space-time geometries from covariant quantum spaces as backgrounds in the IKKT matrix model. An explicit recipe to realize generic classical geometries is provided. Even though this typically entails some higher-spin contributions, these do not significantly modify the physical content of the model in the weak gravity regime. This justifies the framework for emergent gravity given by the semi-classical matrix model, supplemented by an induced Einstein-Hilbert action which arises in the presence of fuzzy extra dimensions.