Symplectic quantum mechanics

Using the notion of symplectic structure and Weyl (or star) product of non-commutative geometry, we construct unitary representations for the Galilei group and show how to rewrite the Schrödinger equation in phase space. This approach gives rise to a new procedure to derive Wigner functions without the use of the Liouville-von Neumann equation. Applications are presented by deriving the states of linear and nonlinear oscillators in terms of amplitudes of probability in phase space. The notion of coherent states is also discussed in this context.     

Two-dimensional supersymmetry: From SUSY quantum mechanics to integrable classical models

Two known two-dimensional SUSY quantum mechanical constructions—the direct generalization of SUSY with first-order supercharges and higher-order SUSY with second-order supercharges—are combined for a class of 2-dim quantum models, which are not amenable to separation of variables. The appropriate classical limit of quantum systems allows us to construct SUSY-extensions of original classical scalar Hamiltonians. Special emphasis is placed on the symmetry properties of the models thus obtained—the explicit expressions of quantum symmetry operators and of classical integrals of motion are given for all (scalar and matrix) components of SUSY-extensions. Using Grassmanian variables, the symmetry operators and classical integrals of motion are written in a unique form for the whole Superhamiltonian. The links of the approach to the classical Hamilton-Jacobi method for related “flipped” potentials are established.     

On Wigner functions and a damped star product in dissipative phase-space quantum mechanics

Dito and Turrubiates recently introduced an interesting model of the dissipative quantum mechanics of a damped harmonic oscillator in phase space. Its key ingredient is a non-Hermitian deformation of the Moyal star product with the damping constant as deformation parameter. We compare the Dito-Turrubiates scheme with phase-space quantum mechanics (or deformation quantization) based on other star products, and extend it to incorporate Wigner functions. The deformed (or damped) star product is related to a complex Hamiltonian, and so necessitates a modified equation of motion involving complex conjugation. We find that with this change the Wigner function satisfies the classical equation of motion. This seems appropriate since non-dissipative systems with quadratic Hamiltonians share this property.     

Hidden supersymmetry in quantum bosonic systems

We show that some simple well-studied quantum mechanical systems without fermion (spin) degrees of freedom display, surprisingly, a hidden supersymmetry. The list includes the bound state Aharonov-Bohm, the Dirac delta and the Pöschl-Teller potential problems, in which the unbroken and broken N = 2 supersymmetry of linear and nonlinear (polynomial) forms is revealed.     

On the quantum super Virasoro algebra

The quantum super-algebra structure on the deformed super Virasoro algebra is investigated. More specifically we established the possibility of defining a nontrivial Hopf super-algebra on both one and two-parameters deformed super Virasoro algebras.     

Extension of PT-symmetric quantum mechanics to the Dirac theory with position-dependent mass

We present a new method to construct the exactly solvable PT-symmetric potentials within the framework of the position-dependent effective mass Dirac equation with the vector potential coupling scheme in 1 + 1 dimensions. In order to illustrate the procedure, we produce three PT-symmetric potentials as examples, which are PT-symmetric harmonic oscillator-like potential, PT-symmetric potential with the form of a linear potential plus an inversely linear potential, and PT-symmetric kink-like potential, respectively. The real relativistic energy levels and corresponding spinor components for the bound states are obtained by using the basic concepts of the supersymmetric quantum mechanics formalism and function analysis method.     

Non-hermitian quantum mechanics in non-commutative space

A recent investigation of the possibility of having a -symmetric periodic potential in an optical lattice stimulated the urge to generalize non-hermitian quantum mechanics beyond the case of commutative space. We thus study non-hermitian quantum systems in non-commutative space as well as a -symmetric deformation of this space. Specifically, a -symmetric harmonic oscillator together with an iC(x ₁+x ₂) interaction are discussed in this space, and solutions are obtained. We show that in the deformed non-commutative space the Hamiltonian may or may not possess real eigenvalues, depending on the choice of the non-commutative parameters. However, it is shown that in standard non-commutative space, the iC(x ₁+x ₂) interaction generates only real eigenvalues despite the fact that the Hamiltonian is not -symmetric. A complex interacting anisotropic oscillator system also is discussed.     

Hidden nonlinear supersymmetry of finite-gap Lamé equation

A bosonized nonlinear (polynomial) supersymmetry is revealed as a hidden symmetry of the finite-gap Lamé equation. This gives a natural explanation for peculiar properties of the periodic quantum system underlying diverse models and mechanisms in field theory, nonlinear wave physics, cosmology and condensed matter physics.     

Two-level systems: Exact solutions and underlying pseudo-supersymmetry

Chains of first-order SUSY transformations for the spin equation are studied in detail. It is shown that the transformation chains are related with a polynomial pseudo-supersymmetry of the system. Simple determinant formulas for the final Hamiltonian of a chain and for solutions of the spin equation are derived. Applications are intended for a two-level atom in an electromagnetic field with a possible time-dependence of the field frequency. For a specific form of this dependence, the time oscillations of the probability to populate the excited level disappear. Under certain conditions this probability becomes a function tending monotonously to a constant value which can exceed 1/2.     

Many worlds and the appearance of probability in quantum mechanics

The interpretation of the squared norm as probability and the apparent stochastic nature of observation in the quantum theory are derived from the law of large numbers and the algebraic properties of infinite sequences of simultaneous quantum observables. It is argued that this result validates the many-worlds view of quantum reality.     

Semiclassical and quantum motions on the non-commutative plane

We study the canonical and the coherent state quantizations of a particle moving in a magnetic field on the non-commutative plane. Using a θ-modified action, we perform the canonical quantization and analyze the gauge dependence of the theory. We compare coherent states quantizations obtained through Malkin-Man'ko states and circular squeezed states. The relation between these states and the “classical” trajectories is investigated, and we present numerical explorations of some semiclassical quantities.     

Trajectory interpretation of the uncertainty principle in 1D systems using complex Bohmian mechanics

Complex Bohmian mechanics is introduced to investigate the validity of a trajectory interpretation of the uncertainty principles ΔqΔp??/2 and ΔEΔt??/2 by replacing probability mean values with time-averaged mean values. It is found that the ?/2 factor in the uncertainty relation ΔEΔt??/2 stems from a quantum potential whose time-averaged mean value taken along any closed trajectory with a period T=2π/ω is proved to be an integer multiple of ?ω/2 for one-dimensional systems.     

Deformed squeezed states in noncommutative phase space

A deformed boson algebra is naturally introduced from studying quantum mechanics on noncommutative phase space in which both positions and momenta are noncommuting each other. Based on this algebra, corresponding intrinsic noncommutative coherent and squeezed state representations are constructed, and variances of single- and two-mode quadrature operators on these states are evaluated. The result indicates that in order to maintain Heisenberg's uncertainty relations, a restriction between the noncommutative parameters is required.     

Experimental motivation and empirical consistency in minimal no-collapse quantum mechanics

We analyze three important experimental domains (SQUIDs, molecular interferometry, and Bose-Einstein condensation) as well as quantum-biophysical studies of the neuronal apparatus to argue that (i) the universal validity of unitary dynamics and the superposition principle has been confirmed far into the mesoscopic and macroscopic realm in all experiments conducted thus far; (ii) all observed “restrictions” can be correctly and completely accounted for by taking into account environmental decoherence effects; (iii) no positive experimental evidence exists for physical state-vector collapse; (iv) the perception of single “outcomes” is likely to be explainable through decoherence effects in the neuronal apparatus. We also discuss recent progress in the understanding of the emergence of quantum probabilities and the objectification of observables. We conclude that it is not only viable, but moreover compelling to regard a minimal no-collapse quantum theory as a leading candidate for a physically motivated and empirically consistent interpretation of quantum mechanics.     

Generating functions and sum rules for quantum oscillator

Generating functions and sum rules are discussed for transition probabilities between quantum oscillator eigenstates with time-dependent parameters.     

Quantum mechanics of successive measurements with arbitrary meter coupling

We study successive measurements of two observables using von Neumann's measurement model. The two-pointer correlation for arbitrary coupling strength allows retrieving the initial system state. We recover Lüders rule, the Wigner formula and the Kirkwood-Dirac distribution in the appropriate limits of the coupling strength.     

Hidden variables in quantum mechanics: Noncontextual generic models

The method of generic extensions (forcing) in quantum mechanics is applied to create hidden-variables models for certain systems of noncommuting quantum observables.