Quantum dynamics of hydrogen atom in complex space

We show in this paper that the electron’s quantum dynamics in hydrogen atom can be modeled exactly by quantum Hamilton-Jacobi formalism. It is found that the quantizations of energy, angular momentum, and the action variable ∫p dq are all originated from the electron’s complex motion, and that the shell structure observed in hydrogen atom is indeed originated from the structure of the complex quantum potential, from which the quantum forces acting upon the electron can be uniquely determined, the stability of atomic configuration can be justified, and the electron’s complex trajectories can be derived accordingly. Based on the derived electron’s trajectory, we can explain why the electron appears at some positions with large probability, while at some other positions with small probability. The positions with maximum probability predicted by standard quantum mechanics are found to be just the stable equilibrium points of the electron’s non-linear complex dynamics. The electron’s trajectories in hydrogen atom are discovered to be very diverse and strongly state-dependent; some of them are open and non-periodic, while some are closed and periodic. Over such a great diversity of orbits, commensurability condition ensuring the existence of closed orbit will be derived and the de Broglie’s standing wave pattern will be identified. Along the investigation of the electron’s orbits in hydrogen atom, we will also clarify why old quantum mechanics using the concept of classical orbit can correctly predict the energy quantization of hydrogen atom and meanwhile why it is not applicable to general quantum system. Finally, the internal mechanism of how the precessing, non-conical eigen-trajectories can evolve continuously to the classical, non-precessing, conical orbits as n → ∞ is explained in detail.     

The su q(2) algebra in the off-diagonal basis and applications to quantum optics

We consider a new exactly solvable nonlinear quantum model as a Hamiltonian defined in terms of the generators of the su _q(2) algebra. The corresponding matrix elements of finite rotations (the q-deformed Wigner d functions) are introduced. It is shown that the quantum optical model of the three-wave interaction has an approximate su _q(2) dynamical symmetry given by this Hamiltonian. Such q symmetry allows us to investigate the spectral and dynamical properties of the three wave model through new perturbation techniques.     

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.     

Quantum chaos in nuclear physics

A definition of classical and quantum chaos on the basis of the Liouville–Arnold theorem is proposed. According to this definition, a chaotic quantum system that has N degrees of freedom should have M < N independent first integrals of motion (good quantum numbers) that are determined by the symmetry of the Hamiltonian for the system being considered. Quantitative measures of quantum chaos are established. In the classical limit, they go over to the Lyapunov exponent or the classical stability parameter. The use of quantum-chaos parameters in nuclear physics is demonstrated.     

Disorder-induced quantum-Griffiths-like features from a non-conventional renormalization group analysis near four dimensions

We investigate the role played by symmetry conserving quenched disorder on quantum criticality of a variety of d-dimensional systems with a continuous symmetry order parameter. We employ a non-standard procedure which combines a preliminary reduction to an effective classical random problem and a successive conventional renormalization group treatment. Solving the effective flow equations to first order in ε=4−d and then restoring the original coupling parameters, for d<4 we find a quantum critical point scenario exhibiting unusual features, which remind us of some predictions of the quantum Griffiths phase model.     

Canonical transformations to action and angle variables and their representation in quantum mechanics IV. Periodic potentials

In the previous papers of this series we discussed the representation in quantum mechanics of canonical transformations leading to action and angle variables, for Hamiltonians with bounded or unbounded orbits, i.e., whose spectra is either discrete, continuous, or mixed. In the present paper the results are extended to Hamiltonians with periodic potentials which have a band spectra. Again the canonical transformations are non-linear and non-bijective and the classical analysis shows that the angle variable φ (always in the interval 0≤φ≤2π) and action J can be defined for energies both below and above the maximum height of the potential. In all of the original phase space the variables (q, p) are then periodic functions of φ. Inversely, because of the invariance of the Hamiltonian under translations q → q + a, the (φ, J) are also periodic functions of q. thus to recover bijectiveness we require an infinite sheet structure in both the (q, p) and (φ, J) phase spaces. In turn the sheet structure can be replaced by appropriate ambiguity groups and spins, with the help of which we propose an explicit expression for the representation in quantum mechanics of the canonical transformation, and recover the latter when we pass to the classical limit with the help of the WKB approximation. The present analysis corroborates the previous surmise that the nature of the spectra of a quantum mechanical Hamiltonian, i.e., continuous, discrete, mixed, or of bands, is related to the ambiguity group and spin of the problem. As the latter originates in classical mechanics when we discuss the canonical transformations from (q, p) to (φ, J), we conclude that some quantum features, such as the nature of spectra of operators, are already implicit in the classical picture.     

Differential calculus on quantum Euclidean spheres

We study covariant differential calculus on the quantum Euclidean spheres S _q ^N−1 which are quantum homogeneous spaces with coactions of the quantum groups O _q (N). First order differential calculi on the quantum Euclidean spheres satisfying a dimension constraint are found and classified: ForN≥6, there exist exactly two such calculi one of which is closely related to the classical differential calculus in the commutative case. Higher order differential forms and symmetry are discussed. Presented at the 9th Colloquium “Quantum Groups and Integrable Systems”, Prague, 22–24 June 2000.     

Random sets,q-distributions and quantum groups

We have shown that the non-extensivity of classical set theory is related to unitary quantum groups. Using this non-extensivity property, we define a q-distribution, a binomial q-distribution and a Poisson q-distribution.     

Quantum deformation of compactified Minkowski space

The quantum GrassmanianG(2|0; ? _q ^4|0 ) of “quantum 2-planes ? _q ^2|0 in the quantum 4-plane ? _q ^4|0 ”, which provides aq-deformation of compactified complexified Minkowski space, is proposed. A quantum analogue of classical Plücker embedding of the usual GrassmanianG(2; ?²) into a non-degenerate quadric in ??⁵ is found.     

On a2(1) reflection matrices and affine Toda theories

We construct new non-diagonal solutions to the boundary Yang-Baxter equation corresponding to a two-dimensional field theory with U_q(a₂⁽¹⁾) quantum affine symmetry on a half-line. The requirements of boundary unitarity and boundary crossing symmetry are then used to find overall scalar factors which lead to consistent reflection matrices. Using the boundary bootstrap equations we also compute the reflection factors for scalar bound states (breathers). These breathers are expected to be identified with the fundamental quantum particles in a₂⁽¹⁾ affine Toda field theory and we therefore obtain a conjecture for the affine Toda reflection factors. We compare these factors with known classical results and discuss their duality properties and their connections with particular boundary conditions.     

The quantum 2-sphere as a complex quantum manifold

We describe the quantum sphere of Podles for c = 0 by means of a stereographic projection which is analogous to that which exibits the classical sphere as a complex manifold. We show that the algebra of functions and the differential calculus on the sphere are covariant under the coaction of fractional transformations with SU _q(2) coefficients as well as under the action of SU _q(2) vector fields. Going to the classical limit we obtain the Poisson sphere. Finally, we study the invariant integration of functions on the sphere and find its relation with the translationally invariant integration on the complex quantum plane.     

Quantum signatures of chaos or quantum chaos?

A critical analysis of the present-day concept of chaos in quantum systems as nothing but a “quantum signature” of chaos in classical mechanics is given. In contrast to the existing semi-intuitive guesses, a definition of classical and quantum chaos is proposed on the basis of the Liouville–Arnold theorem: a quantum chaotic system featuring N degrees of freedom should have M < N independent first integrals of motion (good quantum numbers) specified by the symmetry of the Hamiltonian of the system. Quantitative measures of quantum chaos that, in the classical limit, go over to the Lyapunov exponent and the classical stability parameter are proposed. The proposed criteria of quantum chaos are applied to solving standard problems of modern dynamical chaos theory.     

Transition to sub-Planck structures through the superposition of q-oscillator stationary states

We investigate the superposition of four different quantum states based on the q-oscillator. These quantum states are expressed by means of Rogers-Szegö polynomials. We show that such a superposition has the properties of the quantum harmonic oscillator when q→1, and those of a compass state with the appearance of chessboard-type interference patterns when q→0.     

A Smooth Path between the Classical Realm and the Quantum Realm

A simple example of classical physics may be defined as classical variables, p and q, and quantum physics may be defined as quantum operators, P and Q. The classical world of p&q, as it is currently understood, is truly disconnected from the quantum world, as it is currently understood. The process of quantization, for which there are several procedures, aims to promote a classical issue into a related quantum issue. In order to retain their physical connection, it becomes critical as to how to promote specific classical variables to associated specific quantum variables. This paper, which also serves as a review paper, leads the reader toward specific, but natural, procedures that promise to ensure that the classical and quantum choices are guaranteed a proper physical connection. Moreover, parallel procedures for fields, and even gravity, that connect classical and quantum physical regimes, will be introduced.     

Wave packet revivals and the energy eigenvalue spectrum of the quantum pendulum

The rigid pendulum, both as a classical and as a quantum problem, is an interesting system as it has the exactly soluble harmonic oscillator and the rigid rotor systems as limiting cases in the low- and high-energy limits, respectively. The energy variation of the classical periodicity (τ) is also dramatic, having the special limiting case of τ→∞ at the ‘top’ of the classical motion (i.e., the separatrix.) We study the time-dependence of the quantum pendulum problem, focusing on the behavior of both the (approximate) classical periodicity and especially the quantum revival and superrevival times, as encoded in the energy eigenvalue spectrum of the system. We provide approximate expressions for the energy eigenvalues in both the small and large quantum number limits, up to fourth order in perturbation theory, comparing these to existing handbook expansions for the characteristic values of the related Mathieu equation, obtained by other methods. We then use these approximations to probe the classical periodicity, as well as to extract information on the quantum revival and superrevival times. We find that while both the classical and quantum periodicities increase monotonically as one approaches the ‘top’ in energy, from either above or below, the revival times decrease from their low- and high-energy values until very near the separatrix where they increase to a large, but finite value.     

Are scattering amplitudes dual to super Wilson loops?

The MHV scattering amplitudes in planar N=4 SYM are dual to bosonic light-like Wilson loops. We explore various proposals for extending this duality to generic non-MHV amplitudes. The corresponding dual object should have the same symmetries as the scattering amplitudes and be invariant to all loops under the chiral half of the N=4 superconformal symmetry. We analyze the recently introduced supersymmetric extensions of the light-like Wilson loop (formulated in Minkowski space-time) and demonstrate that they have the required symmetry properties at the classical level only, up to terms proportional to field equations of motion. At the quantum level, due to the specific light-cone singularities of the Wilson loop, the equations of motion produce a nontrivial finite contribution which breaks some of the classical symmetries. As a result, the quantum corrections violate the chiral supersymmetry already at one loop, thus invalidating the conjectured duality between Wilson loops and non-MHV scattering amplitudes. We compute the corresponding anomaly to one loop and solve the supersymmetric Ward identity to find the complete expression for the rectangular Wilson loop at leading order in the coupling constant. We also demonstrate that this result is consistent with conformal Ward identities by independently evaluating corresponding one-loop conformal anomaly.     

Discrete accidental symmetry for a particle in a constant magnetic field on a torus

A classical particle in a constant magnetic field undergoes cyclotron motion on a circular orbit. At the quantum level, the fact that all classical orbits are closed gives rise to degeneracies in the spectrum. It is well-known that the spectrum of a charged particle in a constant magnetic field consists of infinitely degenerate Landau levels. Just as for the 1/r and r² potentials, one thus expects some hidden accidental symmetry, in this case with infinite-dimensional representations. Indeed, the position of the center of the cyclotron circle plays the role of a Runge-Lenz vector. After identifying the corresponding accidental symmetry algebra, we re-analyze the system in a finite periodic volume. Interestingly, similar to the quantum mechanical breaking of CP invariance due to the θ-vacuum angle in non-Abelian gauge theories, quantum effects due to two self-adjoint extension parameters θ_x and θ_y explicitly break the continuous translation invariance of the classical theory. This reduces the symmetry to a discrete magnetic translation group and leads to finite degeneracy. Similar to a particle moving on a cone, a particle in a constant magnetic field shows a very peculiar realization of accidental symmetry in quantum mechanics.     

The Pauli Principle and the Restricted Primitive Model

The restricted primitive model is an electrically neutral, classical model consisting of hard spheres charged either +q or –q. We show that, by appropriately selecting the diameter of the hard spheres, the pressure when q=0 can be made equal to that for a fluid of Maxwell–Boltzmann point ions and an ideal Fermi gas of electrons. We compare the series expansion of these classical and quantum systems and find that, except for intermediate de Broglie density and moderate to strong electrical interaction strength, the restricted primitive model gives a reasonable representation of the pressure of the corresponding quantum system. Much of the current interest, however, has been focused on the above, excepted region.