Lie symmetries and superintegrability in quantum mechanics

Starting from the structure of the higher order Lie symmetries of the Schrödinger equation in the Euclidean plane E2, we establish, in the case of first-and second-order symmetries, the relations between separation of variables and superintegrable systems in quantum mechanics.     

Causality, symmetries and quantum mechanics

It is argued that there is no evidence for causality as a metaphysical relation in quantum phenomena. The assumptions that there are no causal laws, but only probabilities for physical processes constrained by symmetries, leads naturally to quantum mechanics. In particular, an argument is made for why there are probability amplitudes that are complex numbers. This argument generalizes the Feynman path integral formulation of quantum mechanics to include all possible terms in the action that are allowed by the symmetries, but only the lowest order terms are observable at the presently accessible energy scales, which is consistent with observation. The notion of relational reality is introduced in order to give physical meaning to probabilities. This appears to give rise to a new interpretation of quantum mechanics.     

Dynamical symmetries inq-deformed quantum mechanics

The dynamical algebra of theq-deformed harmonic oscillator is constructed. As a result, we find the free deformed Hamiltonian as well as the Hamiltonian of the deformed oscillator as a complicated, momentum dependent interaction Hamiltonian in terms of the usual canonical variables. Furthermore we construct a welldefined algebraSU _q(1,1) with consistent conjugation properties and comultiplication. We obtain non lowest weight representations of this algebra.     

Representations of non-commutative quantum mechanics and symmetries

We present a unified approach to representations of quantum mechanics on non-commutative spaces with general constant commutators of the phase-space variables. We find two phases and duality relations among them in arbitrary dimensions. Conditions for the physical equivalence of different representations of a given system are analyzed. Symmetries and classification of phase spaces are discussed. Especially, the dynamical symmetry of a physical system is investigated. Finally, we apply our analyses to the two-dimensional harmonic oscillator and the Landau problem. Received: 17 December 2002, Published online: 11 June 2003     

Deformation quantization, superintegrability and Nambu mechanics

Phase Space is the framework best suited for quantizing superintegrable systems—systems with more conserved quantities than degrees of freedom. In this quantization method, the symmetry algebras of the hamiltonian invariants are preserved most naturally. We illustrate the power and simplicity of the method through new applications to nonlinear σ-models, specifically for Chiral Models and de Sitter N-spheres, where the symmetric quantum hamiltonians amount to compact and elegant expressions, in accord with the Groenewold-van Hove theorem. Additional power and elegance is provided by the use of Nambu Brackets (linked to Dirac Brackets) involving the extra invariants of superintegrable models. The quantization of Nambu Brackets is then successfully compared to that of Moyal, validating Nambu’s original proposal, while invalidating other proposals.     

Antiunitary symmetry operators in quantum mechanics

A criterion to decide that some symmetries of a quantum system must be realized as antiunitary operators is given. It is based on some mathematical theorems about the second cohomology group of the symmetry group when expressed in terms of those of a normal subgroup and the corresponding factor group. It is also shown that this criterion implies that the only possibility for the unitary subgroup in the Galilean case is that generated by the space reflection and the connected component containing the identity; otherwise only massless systems would arise.     

Tensor operators in noncommutative quantum mechanics

Some consequences of promoting the object of noncommutativity theta(ij) to an operator in Hilbert space are explored. Its canonical conjugate momentum is also introduced. Consequently, a consistent algebra involving the enlarged set of canonical operators is obtained, which permits us to construct theories that are dynamically invariant under the action of the rotation group. In this framework it is also possible to give dynamics to the noncommutativity operator sector, resulting in new features.     

Dynamical symmetries of two-dimensional systems in relativistic quantum mechanics

The two-dimensional Dirac Hamiltonian with equal scalar and vector potentials has been proved commuting with the deformed orbital angular momentum L. When the potential takes the Coulomb form, the system has an SO(3) symmetry, and similarly the harmonic oscillator potential possesses an SU(2) symmetry. The generators of the symmetric groups are derived for these two systems separately. The corresponding energy spectra are yielded naturally from the Casimir operators. Their non-relativistic limits are also discussed.     

Spectator-model operators in point-form relativistic quantum mechanics

We address the construction of transition operators for electromagnetic, weak, and hadronic reactions of relativistic few-quark systems along the spectator model. While the problem is of relevance for all forms of relativistic quantum mechanics, we specifically adhere to the point form, since it preserves the spectator character of the corresponding transition operators in any reference frame. The conditions imposed on the construction of point-form spectator-model operators are discussed and their implications are exemplified for mesonic decays of baryon resonances within a relativistic constituent-quark model.     

Extended SUSY quantum mechanics, intertwining operators and coherent states

We propose an extension of supersymmetric quantum mechanics which produces a family of isospectral Hamiltonians. Our procedure slightly extends the idea of intertwining operators. Several examples of the construction are given. Further, we show how to build up vector coherent states of the Gazeau-Klauder type associated to our Hamiltonians.     

Completeness of wave operators in relativistic quantum mechanics

A combination of geometric and algebraic methods is used to prove asymptotic completeness for Schrödinger-type equations with potential not vanishing at infinity along hyperboloids (in spacetime), and with the free Hamiltonian given by the (not bounded below) relativistic (mass)² operator. The proof is based on the use of a modified form of local compactness and additional geometric properties of asymptotic scattering states which are needed to distinguish them from states trapped inside some hyperboloid for all times.Supported in part by the Fund for Basic Research administered by the Israeli Academy of Sciences and Humanities Basic Research Foundation.     

Feynman disentangling of noncommuting operators in quantum mechanics

Feynman’s disentangling theorem is applied to noncommuting operators in the problem of quantum parametric oscillator, which is mathematically equivalent to the problem of SU(1, 1) pseudospin rotation. The number states of the oscillator correspond to unitary irreducible representations of the SU(1, 1) group. Feynman disentangling is combined with group-theoretic arguments to obtain simple analytical formulas for the matrix elements and transition probabilities between the initial and final states of the oscillator. Feynman disentangling of time evolution operators is also discussed for an atom or ion interacting with a laser field and for a model Hamiltonian possessing the “ hidden” symmetry of the hydrogen atom.     

Applications of hyperdifferential operators to quantum mechanics

In this paper, various applications of the theory of hyperdifferential operators to quantum mechanics are discussed. A concise summary of the relevant aspects of the theory is presented, and then used to derive a variety of operator identities, expansions, and solutions to differential equations.This work was partially supported by N.S.F. grant GP 19614.     

Dynamical symmetries in mechanics

The object of this review is to discuss methods that enable one to trace the origin of symmetries and conservation laws in mechanics to geometrical symmetries of space-time. Starting with the basic Newtonian assumptions on absolute space and time classical mechanics is developed in configuration space and phase space independently together with the related structures such as force-less mechanics. Heuristic considerations on geometric symmetries in configuration space reveal their intimate relation to conservation laws. Using the methods of differential geometry this relationship is put on a formal footing and symmetry groups of all spherically symmetric single term potentials are classified. The method of infinitesimal canonical transformations is presented as an alternative method of deducing dynamical symmetries of an arbitrary system in phase space. These methods also apply to non-relativistic quantum theory. Possible extension to special and general relatively is also discussed.     

The transitions among classical mechanics,quantum mechanics,and stochastic quantum mechanics

Various formalisms for recasting quantum mechanics in the framework of classical mechanics on phase space are reviewed and compared. Recent results in stochastic quantum mechanics are shown to avoid the difficulties encountered by the earlier approach of Wigner, as well as to avoid the well-known incompatibilities of relativity and ordinary quantum theory. Specific mappings among the various formalisms are given.     

Dissipative forces and the algebra of operators in stochastic quantum mechanics

Davidson's construction of a Hilbert space and of quantum operators on the basis of the Fényes-Nelson stochastic mechanics is extended to the case in which a dissipative force linear in the velocity is present. The hamiltonian becomes a nonlinear operator but the position and linear momentum operators are the same as in ordinary quantum mechanics.     

Joint probabilities of noncommuting operators and incompleteness of quantum mechanics

We use joint probabilities to analyze the EPR argument in the Bohm's example of spins.⁽¹⁾ The properties of distribution functions for two, three, or more noncommuting spin components are explicitly studied and their limitations are pointed out. Within the statistical ensemble interpretation of quantum theory (where only statements about repeated events can be made), the incompleteness of quantum theory does not follow, as the consistent use of joint probabilities shows. This does not exclude a completion of quantum mechanics, going beyond it, by a more general theory of single events, using hidden variables, for example.     

Shape-invariant hypergeometric type operators with application to quantum mechanics

A hypergeometric type equation satisfying certain conditions defines either a finite or an infinite system of orthogonal polynomials. The associated special functions are eigenfunctions of some shape-invariant operators. These operators can be analysed together and the mathematical formalism we use can be extended in order to define other shape-invariant operators. All the shape-invariant operators considered are directly related to Schrödinger-type equations.