Geometric Phase in Quaternionic Quantum Mechanics

Quaternion quantum mechanics is examined at the level of unbroken SU(2) gauge symmetry. A general quaternionic phase expression is derived from formal properties of the quaternion algebra.     

On Quantum Mechanics on Noncommutative Quantum Phase Space

In this work, we develop a general framework in which Noncommutative Quantum Mechanics (NCQM), characterized by a space noncommutativity matrix parameter θ=ε_ij^k θ_k and a momentum noncommutativity matrix parameter β=ε_ij^k β_k, is shown to be equivalent to Quantum Mechanics (QM) on a suitable transformed Quantum Phase Space (QPS). Imposing some constraints on this particular transformation, we firstly find that the product of the two parameters θ and β possesses a lower bound in direct relation with Heisenberg incertitude relations, and secondly that the two parameters are equivalent but with opposite sign, up to a dimension factor depending on the physical system under study. This means that noncommutativity is represented by a unique parameter which may play the role of a fundamental constant characterizing the whole NCQPS. Within our framework, we treat some physical systems on NCQPS : free particle, harmonic oscillator, system of two-charged particles, Hydrogen atom. Among the obtained results, we discover a new phenomenon which consists of a free particle on NCQPS viewed as equivalent to a harmonic oscillator with Larmor frequency depending on β, representing the same particle in presence of a magnetic field $\vec{B}=q^{-1}\vec{\beta}$. For the other examples, additional correction terms depending on β appear in the expression of the energy spectrum. Finally, in the two-particle system case, we emphasize the fact that for two opposite charges noncommutativity is effectively feeled with opposite sign.     

Quantum Phase for an Electric Multipole Moment in Noncommutative Quantum Mechanics

We study the noncommutative nonrelativistic quantum dynamics of a neutral particle, which possesses an electric multipole moment, in the presence of an external magnetic field. First, by introducing a shift for the magnetic field we give the Schrödinger equations in the presence of an external magnetic field both on a noncommutative space and a noncommutative phase space, respectively. Then by solving the Schrödinger equations, we obtain quantum phases of the electric multipole moment both on a noncommutative space and a noncommutative phase space. We demonstrate that these phase are geometric and dispersive.     

The Phase Space Model of Nonrelativistic Quantum Mechanics

We focus on several questions arising during the modelling of quantum systems on a phase space. First, we discuss the choice of phase space and its structure. We include an interesting case of discrete phase space. Then, we introduce the respective algebras of functions containing quantum observables. We also consider the possibility of performing strict calculations and indicate cases where only formal considerations can be performed. We analyse alternative realisations of strict and formal calculi, which are determined by different kernels. Finally, two classes of Wigner functions as representations of states are investigated.     

Relative Frequency and Probability in the Everett Interpretation of Heisenberg-Picture Quantum Mechanics

The existence of probability in the sense of the frequency interpretation, i.e., probability as long term relative frequency, is shown to follow from the dynamics and the interpretational rules of Everett quantum mechanics in the Heisenberg picture. This proof is free of the difficulties encountered in applying to the Everett interpretation previous results regarding relative frequency and probability in quantum mechanics. The ontology of the Everett interpretation in the Heisenberg picture is also discussed.     

Relativistic Quantum Mechanics as a Telegraph

A derivation by Fröhner of non-relativistic quantum mechanics via Fourier analysis applied to probability theory is not extendable to relativistic quantum mechanics because Schrödinger's positive definite probability density * is lost (Dirac's spin 1/2 case being the exception). The nature of the Fourier link then changes; it points to a redefinition of the probability scheme as an information carrying telegraph, the code of which is Born's as extended by Dirac and by Feynman. Hermitian symmetry of the transition amplitude between Dirac representations expresses reciprocity of preparation and measurement (the quantal coding and decoding), two equally active interventions of the physicist; as the measurement perturbs the system retrodiction implies retroaction evidenced in delayed choice. Reciprocity of knowledge and organization vindicates Wigner's claim that reciprocal to the action of matter upon mind there exists a direct action of mind upon matter: psychokinesis, branded by Jaynes as a psychiatric disorder of the Copenhagen school. As for factlike irreversibility, it is expressed by the enormity of the change rate from information to negentropy: while gain in knowledge is normal psychokinesis is paranormal. Stapp's recent discussion of psychokinesis in a quantum context should be resumed in association with an EPR correlation; an experimental test is proposed.     

Quantum Mechanics as a Dynamic Construction

The wave function and spin are shown to be attributes of the dynamics which is a dominant structure of the quantum mechanics. A self-consistent force field (not the quantum axiomatics) appears to be responsible for quantum effects. The field can escape from the matter and produce pairs.     

Peculiar Quantum Phase Transitions and Hidden Supersymmetry in a Lipkin-Meshkov-Glick Model

In this paper we theoretically report an unconventional quantum phase transition of a simple Lipkin- Meshkow-Glick model： an interacting collective spin system without external magnetic field. It is shown that this model with integer-spin can exhibit a flrst-order quantum phase transition between different disordered phases, and more intriguingly, possesses a hidden supersymmetry at the critical point. However, for half-integer spin we predict another flrst-order quantum phase transition between two different long-range-ordered phases with a vanishing energy gap, which is induced by the destructive topological quantum interference between the intanton and anti-instanton tunneling paths and accompanies spontaneously breaking of supersymmetry at the same critical point. We also show that, when the total spin-value varies from half-integer to integer this model can exhibit an abrupt variation of Berry phase from π to zero.     

Practical Implementation of a Test of Event-Based Corpuscular Model as an Alternative to Quantum Mechanics

We describe in detail the first experimental test that distinguishes between an event-based corpuscular model of the interaction of photons with matter and quantum mechanics. The test looks at the interference that results as a single photon passes through a Mach-Zehnder interferometer. The experimental results, obtained with a low-noise single-photon source, agree with the predictions of standard quantum mechanics.     

Communication Complexity as a Principle of Quantum Mechanics

We introduce a two-party communication complexity problem in which the probability of success by using a particular strategy allows the parties to detect with certainty whether or not some forbidden communication has taken place. We show that theprobability of success is bounded by nature; any conceivable method which gives a probability of success outside these bounds is impossible. Moreover, any conceivable method to solve the problem which gives a probability success within these bounds is possible in nature. This example suggests that a suitaby chosen set of communication complexity problems could be the basis of an information-theoretic axiomatization of quantum mechanics.     

An Algebra of Effects in the Formalism of Quantum Mechanics on Phase Space

Defining an addition of the effects in the formalism of quantum mechanics on phase space, we obtain a new effect algebra that is strictly contained in the effect algebra of all effects. A new property of the phase space formalism comes to light, namely that the new effect algebra does not contain any pair of noncommuting projections. In fact, in this formalism, there are no nontrivial projections at all. We illustrate this with the spin-1/2 algebra and the momentum/position algebra. Next, we equip this algebra of effects with the sequential product and get an interpretation of why certain properties fail to hold. PACS: 02.10.Gd, 03.65.Bz. This paper was a submission to the Fifth International Quantum Structure Association Conference (QS5), which took place in Cesena, Italy, March 31–April 5, 2001.     

Zitterbewegung in Quantum Mechanics

The possibility that zitterbewegung opens a window to particle substructure in quantum mechanics is explored by constructing a particle model with structural features inherent in the Dirac equation. This paper develops a self-contained dynamical model of the electron as a lightlike particle with helical zitterbewegung and electromagnetic interactions. The model admits periodic solutions with quantized energy, and the correct magnetic moment is generated by charge circulation. It attributes to the electron an electric dipole moment rotating with ultrahigh frequency, and the possibility of observing this directly as a resonance in electron channeling is analyzed in detail. Correspondence with the Dirac equation is discussed. A modification of the Dirac equation is suggested to incorporate the rotating dipole moment.     

No-Signaling in Quantum Mechanics

We review some concepts and reasonings regarding the notion of no-signaling and its relation to quantum mechanics in bipartite Bell-type scenarios. We recapitulate the no-signaling property of joint conditional probability distributions in geometrical and information theoretic terms. We summarize the reasons why quantum mechanics does not enable instantaneous communication. We make some comments on quantum field theoretic aspects.     

The Phase Space Formalism for Quantum Mechanics and C* Axioms

On any quantum mechanical Hilbert space, the phase space localization operators form a set of operators that are both physically motivated and form the groundwork for a C* algebra. This set is shown to be informationally complete in the original Hilbert space. We also revisit the relation between having a complete set of eigenvectors, commutability and compatibility. Dedicated to G.G. Emch.     

Individuation in Quantum Mechanics

It has been claimed that the Principle of the Identity of Indiscernibles (PII) is incompatible with quantum mechanics, considered as a complete theory. Van Fraassen has argued specifically that a conflict between the two arises due to the requirements of Bose-Einstein statistics when imposed on two-particle quantum states. It is shown here that this apparent contradiction of the PII with quantum mechanics can be removed by the introduction of a natural criterion of individuality.     

Phase Space Bounds for Quantum Mechanics on a Compact Lie Group

Let K be a compact, connected Lie group and its complexification. I consider the Hilbert space of holomorphic functions introduced in [H1], where the parameter t is to be interpreted as Planck's constant. In light of [L-S], the complex group may be identified canonically with the cotangent bundle of K. Using this identification I associate to each a “phase space probability density”. The main result of this paper is Theorem 1, which provides an upper bound on this density which holds uniformly over all F and all points in phase space. Specifically, the phase space probability density is at most , where and a _t is a constant which tends to one exponentially fast as t tends to zero. At least for small t, this bound cannot be significantly improved. With t regarded as Planck's constant, the quantity is precisely what is expected on physical grounds. Theorem 1 should be interpreted as a form of the Heisenberg uncertainty principle for K, that is, a limit on the concentration of states in phase space. The theorem supports the interpretation of the Hilbert space as the phase space representation of quantum mechanics for a particle with configuration space K. The phase space bound is deduced from very sharp pointwise bounds on functions in (Theorem 2). The proofs rely on precise calculations involving the heat kernel on K and the heat kernel on . Received: 9 July 1996/Accepted: 9 September 1996     

Recurrence in Quantum Mechanics

We first compare the mathematical structure of quantum and classical mechanics when both are formulated in a C^*-algebraic framework. By using finite von Neumann algebras, a quantum mechanical analogue of Liouville's theorem is then proposed. We proceed to study Poincaré recurrence in C^*-algebras by mimicking the measure theoretic setting. The results are interpreted as recurrence in quantum mechanics, similar to Poincaré recurrence in classical mechanics.