Relativistic Quantum Mechanics and Field Theory

The problems which arise for a relativistic quantum mechanics are reviewed and critically examined in connection with the foundations of quantum field theory. The conflict between the quantum mechanical Hilbert space structure, the locality property and the gauge invariance encoded in the Gauss' law is discussed in connection with the various quantization choices for gauge fields.     

Relativistic Quantum Mechanics and the Bohmian Interpretation

No Heading Conventional relativistic quantum mechanics, based on the Klein-Gordon equation, does not possess a natural probabilistic interpretation in configuration space. The Bohmian interpretation, in which probabilities play a secondary role, provides a viable interpretation of relativistic quantum mechanics. We formulate the Bohmian interpretation of many-particle wave functions in a Lorentz-covariant way. In contrast with the nonrelativistic case, the relativistic Bohmian interpretation may lead to measurable predictions on particle positions even when the conventional interpretation does not lead to such predictions.     

Velocity Operators and Time-Energy Relations in Relativistic Quantum Mechanics

According to both Dirac's and Kemmer's relativistic quantum theories, the eigenvalues of the velocity operator are +c and –c. This false result is avoided if certain alternative particle coordinates are adopted. Another advantage is that the new coordinates occur in additional constants of the motion. These are sui generis angular momenta obtained by taking the vector product of the nonstandard coordinates with the linear momentum. An additional virtue of the new velocity operator is that, like in classical mechanics, it is proportional to the linear momentum. Besides, the zeroth component of the new set of coordinates does not commute with the hamiltonian, which results in a genuine indeterminacy relation between time and energy.     

The Electrodynamic 2-Body Problem and the Origin of Quantum Mechanics

We numerically solve the functional differential equations (FDEs) of 2-particle electrodynamics, using the full electrodynamic force obtained from the retarded Lienard–Wiechert potentials and the Lorentz force law. In contrast, the usual formulation uses only the Coulomb force (scalar potential), reducing the electrodynamic 2-body problem to a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The ODE formulation is mathematically suspect since FDEs and ODEs are known to be incompatible; however, the Coulomb approximation to the full electrodynamic force has been believed to be adequate for physics. We can now test this long-standing belief by comparing the FDE solution with the ODE solution, in the historically interesting case of the classical hydrogen atom. The solutions differ. A key qualitative difference is that the full force involves a delay torque. Our existing code is inadequate to calculate the detailed interaction of the delay torque with radiative damping. However, a symbolic calculation provides conditions under which the delay torque approximately balances (3rd order) radiative damping. Thus, further investigations are required, and it was prematurely concluded that radiative damping makes the classical hydrogen atom unstable. Solutions of FDEs naturally exhibit an infinite spectrum of discrete frequencies. The conclusion is that (a) the Coulomb force is not a valid approximation to the full electrodynamic force, so that (b) the n-body interaction needs to be reformulated in various current contexts such as molecular dynamics.     

Collisional Quantum Interference on Rotational Energy Transfer： Relation Between Integral Interference Angle and Rotational Quantum Number in Na2（A^1∑u^＋,ν=8～b^3∏0u,ν=14）-Na System

Collisional quantum interference （CQI） on rotational energy transfer was observed in Na2（A^1∑u^＋,ν=8～b^3∏0u,ν=14） system in collision with Na [Chem. Phys. Lett. 318 （2000） 107], and the degree of the interference was measured. The integral interference angle was obtaJned through theoretical calculation. We will research the factors that have effect on collisional quantum interference on rotational energy transfer in Na2（A^1∑u^＋,ν=8～b^3∏0u,ν=14）-Na system. Basing on the time-dependent first order Born approximation, and taking into account the anlsotroplc Lennard Jones interaction potentials and ＂straight-line＂ trajectory approximation, we obtain the factors that have effect on CQI in Na2-Na system, and obtain the relation between the integral interference angle and rotational quantum number.     

Algebra of Effects in the Formalism of Quantum Mechanics on Phase Space as an M. V. and a Heyting Effect Algebra

We prove that the algebra of effects in the phase space formalism of quantum mechanics forms an M. V. effect algebra and moreover a Heyting effect algebra. It contains no nontrivial projections. We equip this algebra with certain nontrivial projections by passing to the limit of the quantum expectation with respect to any density operator. PACS: Primary 02.10.Gd, 03.65.Bz, Secondary 002.20.Qs This paper was a submission to the Sixth International Quantum Structure Association Conference (QS6), which took place in Vienna, Austria, July 1–7, 2002.