Non-commutative Geometry from Perturbative Quantum Gravity

Abstract: Trying to connect a fundamentally non-commutative spacetime with the conservative perturbative approach to quantum gravity, we are led to the natural question: are non-commutative geometrical effects already present in the regime where perturbative quantum gravity provides a predictive framework? Moreover, is it necessary to introduce non-commutativity by hand, or does it arise through quantum-gravitational effects? We show that the first question can be answered in the affirmative, and the second one in the negative: perturbative quantum gravity predicts non-commutativity at the Planck scale, once one clarifies the structure of observables in the quantum theory.