Quantum effects in five-dimensional Kaluza-Klein theory

Abstract

The role of quantum effects in five-dimensional Kaluza-Klein theory is discussed. We concentrate in particular on the evaluation of terms in the one-loop effective action which look like the Maxwell action. A detailed discussion of the reduction of the five-dimensional gravitational action to an equivalent four-dimensional form is given. Self-consistent solutions of the form R 4 x S 1 are examined. We consider how the inclusion of quantized matter fields into the five-dimensional theory can change results based only on quantum gravitational effects. The importance of including the induced Maxwell term is stressed. It is also noted how a finite renormalization of the one-loop effective action is important.