Background independence in a nutshell
  We study how physical information can be extracted from a background independent quantum system. We use an extremely simple `minimalist' system that models a finite region of 3d euclidean quantum spacetime with a single equilateral tetrahedron. We show that the physical information can be expressed as a boundary amplitude. We illustrate how the notions of "evolution" in a boundary proper-time and "vacuum" can be extracted from the background independent dynamics. 
Carlo Rovelli (CPT), Daniele Colosi (CPT), Luisa Doplicher (CPT),   Winston Fairbairn (CPT), Leonardo Modesto (CPT), Karim N...