Abstract
We consider the simplicial state-sum model of Ponzano and Regge as a path
integral for quantum gravity in three dimensions.
We examine the Lorentzian geometry of a single 3-simplex and of a simplicial
manifold, and interpret an asymptotic formula for $6j$-symbols in terms of this
geometry. This extends Ponzano and Regge's similar interpretation for Euclidean
geometry.
We give a geometric interpretation of the stationary points of this
state-sum, by showing that, at these points, the simplicial manifold may be
mapped locally into flat Lorentzian or Euclidean space. This lends weight to
the interpretation of the state-sum as a path integral, which has solutions
corresponding to both Lorentzian and Euclidean gravity in three dimensions.
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