A quantum analogue of Hunt's representation theorem for the generator of convolution semigroups on Lie groups

Summary In quantum mechanics certain operator-valued measures are introduced, called instruments, which are an analogue of the probability measures of classical probability theory. As in the classical case, it is interesting to study convolution semigroups of instruments on groups and the associated semigroups of probability operators. In this paper the case is considered of a finite-dimensional Hilbert space (n-level quantum system) and of instruments defined on a finite-dimensional Lie group. Then, the generator of a continuous semigroup of (quantum) probability operators is characterized. In this way a quantum analogue of Hunt's representation theorem for the generator of convolution semigroups on Lie groups is obtained.