A foundation of quantum mechanics based on the concepts of focusing and symmetry is proposed. Focusing is connected to c-variables - inaccessible conceptually derived variables; several examples of such variables are given. The focus is then on a maximal accessible parameter, a function of the common c-variable. Symmetry is introduced via a group acting on the c-variable. From this, the Hilbert space is constructed and state vectors and operators are given a clear interpretation. The Born formula is proved from weak assumptions, and from this the usual rules of quantum mechanics are derived. Several paradoxes and other issues of quantum theory are discussed.
We propose that the degree of freedom of measurement by quantum mechanical observers originates in the Goldstone mode of the spontaneously broken time reparametrization symmetry. Based on the classification of quantum states by their non-unitary temporal behavior as seen in the measurement processes, we describe the concepts of the quantum mechanical observers via the time reparametrization symmetry.
New prescription to treat position and time equally in quantum mechanics is presented. Using this prescription, we could successfully derive some interesting formulae such as time-of-arrival for a free particle and quantum tunneling formula. The physical interpretation will be discussed.
A method of fundamental solutions has been used to show its effectiveness in solving some well known problems of 1D quantum mechanics (barrier penetrations, over-barrier reflections, resonance states), i.e. those in which we look for exponentially small contributions to semiclassical expansions for considered quantities. Its usefulness for adiabatic transitions in two energy level systems is also mentioned.
On the basis of the relativistic symmetry of Minkowski space, we derive a Lorentz invariant equation for a spread electron. This equation slightly differs from the Dirac equation and includes additional terms originating from the spread of an electron. Further, we calculate the anomalous magnetic moment based on these terms. These calculations do not include any divergence; therefore, renormalization procedures are unnecessary. In addition, the relativistic symmetry existing among coordinate systems will provide a new prospect for the foundations of quantum mechanics like the measurement proce…
An expression is proposed for the quantum mechanical state of a pre- and post-selected ensemble, which is an ensemble determined by the final as well as the initial state of the quantum systems involved. It is shown that the probabilities calculated from the proposed state agree with previous expressions, for cases where they both apply. The same probabilities are found when they are calculated in the forward- or reverse-time directions. This work was prompted by several problems raised by Shimony recently in relation to the state, and time symmetry, of pre- and post-selected ensembles.
We describe a gedanken experiment with an interferometer in the case of pre- and postselection in two different time symmetric ways: We apply the ABL formalism and the de Broglie--Bohm model. Interpreting these descriptions ontologically, we get two very different concepts of reality. Finally, we discuss some problems implied by these concepts.
We propose that observables in quantum theory are properly understood as representatives of symmetry-invariant quantities relating one system to another, the latter to be called a reference system. We provide a rigorous mathematical language to introduce and study quantum reference systems, showing that the orthodox "absolute" quantities are good representatives of observable relative quantities if the reference state is suitably localised. We use this relational formalism to critique the literature on the relationship between reference frames and superselection rules, settling a long-standing…
This paper illustrates the application of group theory to a quantum-mechanical three-dimensional quartic anharmonic oscillator with $O_{h}$ symmetry. It is shown that group theory predicts the degeneracy of the energy levels and facilitates the application of perturbation theory and the Rayleigh-Ritz variational method as well as the interpretation of the results in terms of the symmetry of the solutions . We show how to obtain suitable symmetry-adapted basis sets.
Symmetries are a key concept to connect mathematical elegance with physical insight. We consider measurement assemblages in quantum mechanics and show how their symmetry can be described by means of the so-called discrete bundles. It turns out that many measurement assemblages used in quantum information theory as well as for studying the foundations of quantum mechanics are entirely determined by symmetry; moreover, starting from a certain symmetry group, novel types of measurement sets can be constructed. The insight gained from symmetry allows us to easily determine whether the measurements…
In quantum theory, symmetry has to be defined necessarily in terms of the family of unit rays, the state space. The theorem of Wigner asserts that a symmetry so defined at the level of rays can always be lifted into a linear unitary or an antilinear antiunitary operator acting on the underlying Hilbert space. We present a proof of this theorem which is both elementary and economical. Central to our proof is the recognition that a given Wigner symmetry can, by post-multiplication by a unitary symmetry, be taken into either the identity or complex conjugation. Our analysis involves a judicious i…
We propose a model CCS (complex-conjugate-space) to understand the inner and outer product nature of wave functions in non-hermitian PT-symmetry model in quantum mechanics considering (NxN) matrix model. Further we reflect the correct nature of C-symmetry ,P-parity and original Hamiltonian matrix for any arbitrary values of N. Interestingly the present result on N=2 , remains the same reported earlier by Bender,Brody and Jones model PT-symmetry operator. In non-conventional way one can notice that wave functions in a PT-symmetry model satisfies similar relations as in hermitian operator .
Stochastic Electrodynamics (SED) has had success modeling black body radiation, the harmonic oscillator, the Casimir effect, van der Waals forces, diamagnetism, and uniform acceleration of electrodynamic systems using the stochastic zero-point fluctuations of the electromagnetic field with classical mechanics. However the hydrogen atom, with its 1/r potential remains a critical challenge. Cole and Zou in 2003 and Nieuwenhuizen and Liska in 2015 found that the SED field prevented the electron orbit from collapsing into the proton but eventually the atom became ionized. We look at the issues of …
Motivated by the duality of normalizable states and the presence of the quasi-parity quantum number q=+/-1 in PT symmetric (non-Hermitian) quantum mechanical potential models, the relation of PT symmetry and supersymmetry (SUSY) is studied. As an illustrative example the PT invariant version of the Scarf II potential is presented, and it is shown that the "bosonic" Hamiltonian has two different "fermionic" SUSY partner Hamiltonians (potentials) generated from the ground-state solutions with q=1 and q=-1. It is shown that the "fermionic" potentials cease to be PT invariant when the PT symmetry …
We explain the connection between the generalized spin quantities we have recently introduced and standard forms. We show how the calculation of various quantities of interest using these new forms is done. Focusing attention on expectation values, we find that in every case, the standard results can be obtained as special cases arising from the new generalized results.
In this article, we discussed certain properties of non-Hermitian $\CP$-symmetry Hamiltonian, and it is shown that a consistent physical theory of quantum mechanics can be built on a ${\cal C} \CP$-symmetry Hamiltonian. In particular, we show that these theories have unitary time evolution, and conservation probability. Furthermore, transition from quantum mechanics to classical mechanics is investigate and it is found that the Ehrenfest theorem is satisfied.
In a recent paper it was shown that if a Hamiltonian H has an unbroken PT symmetry, then it also possesses a hidden symmetry represented by the linear operator C. The operator C commutes with both H and PT. The inner product with respect to CPT is associated with a positive norm and the quantum theory built on the associated Hilbert space is unitary. In this paper it is shown how to construct the operator C for the non-Hermitian PT-symmetric Hamiltonian $H={1\over2}p^2+{1\over2}x^2 +iεx^3$ using perturbative techniques. It is also shown how to construct the operator C for $H={1\over2}p^2+{1\ov…
The theorem known from Pauli equation about operators that anticommute with Dirac's $K$-operator is generalized to the Dirac equation. By means of this theorem the operator is constructed which governs the hidden symmetry in relativistic Coulomb problem (Dirac equation). It is proved that this operator coincides with the familiar Johnson-Lippmann one and is intimately connected to the famous Laplace-Runge-Lenz (LRL) vector. Our derivation is very simple and informative. It does not require a longtime and tedious calculations, as is offten underlined in most papers.
Necessary conditions for generating phase controllable asymmetry in spatially symmetric systems using lasers are identified and are shown to be identical in quantum and classical mechanics. First, by studying the exact dynamics of harmonic systems in the presence of an arbitrary radiation field, it is demonstrated that anharmonicities in the system's potential are a necessary requirement for phase controllability. Then, by analyzing the space-time symmetries of the laser-driven Liouville dynamics for classical and quantum systems, a common set of temporal symmetries for the driving field that …
We introduce functional degrees of freedom by a new gauge principle related to the phase of the wave functional. Thereby, quantum mechanical systems are seen as dissipatively embedded part of a nonlinear classical structure producing universal correlations. There are a fundamental length and an entropy/area parameter, besides standard couplings. For states that are sufficiently spread over configuration space, quantum field theory is recovered.
We propose a mechanism for system-induced spontaneous time reparametrization symmetry breaking in canonical gravity. We consider a model of extended canonical gravity, based on Sen's spinorial expression of the spatial-diffeomorphism-gauge independent part of the shift vector, with one additional long-range self-interacting massive spin-$1/2$ particle whose spin is coupled to Sen's spinor in the Hamiltonian. This additional particle plays the role of creating the system-induced time reparametrization invariant potential. We use this potential to break time reparametrization symmetry spontaneou…
It is shown that the Fourier transformation that relates position and momentum representations of quantum mechanics can be understood as a consequence of a symmetry principle that establishes the equivalence of being and becoming in the description of reality. There are however other transformation compatible with the same principle that could lead to different formalisms of quantum mechanics.
On the basis of a 5-dimensional form of space-time transformations non-relativistic quantum mechanics is reformulated in a manifestly covariant manner. The resulting covariance resembles that of the conventional relativistic quantum mechanics.
Taking several statistical examples, in particular one involving a choice of experiment, as points of departure, and making symmetry assumptions, the link towards quantum theory developed in Helland (2005a,b) is surveyed and clarified. The quantum Hilbert space is constructed from the parameters of the various experiments using group representation theory. It is shown under natural assumptions that a subset of the set of unit vectors of this space, the generalized coherent state vectors, can be put in correspondence with questions of the kind: What is the value of the (complete) parameter? - t…
Arno Bohm and Ilya Prigogine's Brussels-Austin Group have been working on the quantum mechanical arrow of time and irreversibility in rigged Hilbert space quantum mechanics. A crucial notion in Bohm's approach is the so-called preparation/registration arrow. An analysis of this arrow and its role in Bohm's theory of scattering is given. Similarly, the Brussels-Austin Group uses an excitation/de-excitation arrow for ordering events, which is also analyzed. The relationship between the two approaches is initially discussed focusing on their semi-group operators and time arrows. Finally a possibl…
Particles of spin 1/2 and 1 in external Abelian monopole field are considered. P-inversion like operators N-s commuting with the respective Hamiltonians are constructed: N(bisp.) is diagonalized onto the relevant wave functions, whereas N(vect.) does not. Such a paradox is rationalized through noting that both these operators are not self-conjugate. It is shown that any N-parity selection rules cannot be produced. Non-Abelian problems for doublets of spin 1/2 and 1 particles are briefly discussed; the statement is given of that corresponding discrete operators are self-conjugate and selection …
In this paper we address again the issue of the scale anomaly in quantum mechanical models with inverse square potential. In particular we examine the interplay between the classical and quantum aspects of the system using in both cases an operatorial approach.
We report a novel spontaneous symmetry breaking phenomenon and ghost states existed in the framework of the fractional nonlinear Schrödinger (FNLS) equation with focusing saturable nonlinearity and PT-symmetric potential. The continuous asymmetric soliton branch bifurcates from the fundamental symmetric one as the power exceeds some critical value. Intriguingly, the symmetry of fundamental solitons is broken into two branches of asymmetry solitons (alias ghost states) with complex conjugate propagation constants, which is solely in fractional media. Besides, the dipole (antisymmetry) and tripo…
We propose to realize mechanical parity-time PT symmetry in two coupled optomechanical systems. To provide gain to one mechanical resonator and the same amount of damping to the other, the two optical cavities should be driven by blue- and red-detuned laser fields, respectively. After adiabatically eliminating the degrees of freedom of the cavity modes, we derive a formula to describe the PT symmetry of two coupled mechanical resonators. Mechanical PT-symmetric phase transition is demonstrated by the dynamical behavior of the mechanical resonators. Moreover, we study the effect of the quantum …
We consider symmetry as a foundational concept in quantum mechanics and rewrite quantum mechanics and measurement axioms in this description. We argue that issues related to measurements and physical reality of states can be better understood in this view. In particular, the abstract concept of symmetry provides a basis-independent definition for observables. Moreover, we show that the apparent projection/collapse of the state as the final step of measurement or decoherence is the result of breaking of symmetries. This phenomenon is comparable with a phase transition by spontaneous symmetry br…
The extension of Standard Model of the Fundamental Particles which consider the Lorentz Symmetry Violation governed by a background tensor field presented by Colladay and Kostelecky consider the hypothesis of having a privileged direction in the space-time. Here we investigated a extension of the Schrödinger Equation inspired on that model taking into account a background scalar field. We analyze the behavior of this modified Schrödinger equation on a particle trapped in a well and quantum harmonic oscillator.
We exhibit two symmetries of one-dimensional Newtonian mechanics whereby a solution is built from the history of another solution via a generally nonlinear and complex potential-dependent transformation of the time. One symmetry intertwines the square roots of the kinetic and potential energies and connects solutions of the same dynamical problem (the potential is an invariant function). The other symmetry connects solutions of different dynamical problems (the potential is a scalar function). The existence of corresponding conserved quantities is examined using Noethers theorem and it is show…
In this paper we show that the point-group (geometrical) symmetry is insufficient to account for the degeneracy of the energy levels of the particle in a cubic box. The discrepancy is due to hidden (dynamical symmetry). We obtain the operators that commute with the Hamiltonian one and connect eigenfunctions of different symmetries. We also show that the addition of a suitable potential inside the box breaks the dynamical symmetry but preserves the geometrical one.The resulting degeneracy is that predicted by point-group symmetry.
Symmetries are widely used in modeling quantum systems but they do not contribute in postulates of quantum mechanics. Here we argue that logical, mathematical, and observational evidence require that symmetry should be considered as a fundamental concept in the construction of physical systems. Based on this idea, we propose a series of postulates for describing quantum systems, and establish their relation and correspondence with axioms of standard quantum mechanics. Through some examples we show that this reformulation helps better understand some of ambiguities of standard description. None…
The equivalence postulate approach to quantum mechanics aims to formulate quantum mechanics from a fundamental geometrical principle. Underlying the formulation there exists a basic cocycle condition which is invariant under $D$--dimensional Möbius transformations with respect to the Euclidean or Minkowski metrics. The invariance under global Möbius transformations implies that spatial space is compact. Furthermore, it implies energy quantisation and undefinability of quantum trajectories without assuming any prior interpretation of the wave function. The approach may be viewed as conventional…
The dynamic $U (1)$ symmetry of classical electrodynamics without charges, similar to the known phase symmetry of quantum mechanics, is analyzed. Using this symmetry, alternative Lagrangians of classical electrodynamics, similar to quantum-mechanical ones, were found, and their symmetry properties were investigated.
Generalized virial theorem for quantum mechanical nonrelativistic and relativistic systems with translational and rotational symmetry is derived in the form of the commutator between the generator of dilations G and the Hamiltonian H. If the conditions of translational and rotational symmetry together with the additional conditions of the theorem are satisfied, the matrix elements of the commutator [G, H] are equal to zero on the subspace of the Hilbert space. Normalized simultaneous eigenvectors of the particular set of commuting operators which contains H, J^{2}, J_{z} and additional operato…
We show that for positive integer values $l$ of the parameter in the conformal mechanics model the system possesses a hidden nonlinear superconformal symmetry, in which reflection plays a role of the grading operator. In addition to the even $so(1,2)\oplus u(1)$-generators, the superalgebra includes $2l+1$ odd integrals, which form the pair of spin-$(l+{1/2})$ representations of the bosonic subalgebra and anticommute for order $2l+1$ polynomials of the even generators. This hidden symmetry, however, is broken at the level of the states in such a way that the action of the odd generators violat…
Despite the impressive amount of literature on the foundations of quantum mechanics, the relevance of symmetry in interpretation is not properly acknowledged. In fact, although it is usually said that quantum mechanics is invariant under the Galilean group, the invariance is usually not discussed in the case of the interpretation of the theory. This situation is particularly pressing for realist positions, which want to know how reality would be if quantum mechanics were true. From a realist perspective, it seems reasonable to require that an interpretation of quantum mechanics, to be admissib…
I explore several related routes to deriving the Jordan-algebraic structure of finite-dimensional quantum theory from more transparent operational or physical principles, mainly involving ideas about the symmetries of, and the correlations between, probabilistic models. The key tool is the Koecher-Vinberg Theorem, which identifies formally real Jordan algebras with finite-dimensional order-unit spaces having homogeneous, self-dual cones.
A symmetry in quantum mechanics is described by the projective representations of a Lie symmetry group that transforms between physical quantum states such that the square of the modulus of the states is invariant. The Heisenberg commutation relations, that are fundamental to quantum mechanics, must be valid in all of these physical states. This paper shows that the maximal quantum symmetry group, whose projective representations preserve the Heisenberg commutation relations in this manner, is the inhomogeneous symplectic group. The projective representations are equivalent to the unitary repr…
Solvability of the ubiquitous quantum harmonic oscillator relies on a spectrum generating osp(1|2) superconformal symmetry. We study the problem of constructing all quantum mechanical models with a hidden osp(1|2) symmetry on a given space of states. This problem stems from interacting higher spin models coupled to gravity. In one dimension, we show that the solution to this problem is the Plyushchay family of quantum mechanical models with hidden superconformal symmetry obtained by viewing the harmonic oscillator as a one dimensional Dirac system, so that Grassmann parity equals wavefunction …
In nonrelativistic quantum mechanics and in relativistic quantum field theory, time t is a parameter and thus the time-reversal operator T does not actually reverse the sign of t. However, in relativistic quantum mechanics the time coordinate t and the space coordinates x are treated on an equal footing and all are operators. In this paper it is shown how to extend PT symmetry from nonrelativistic to relativistic quantum mechanics by implementing time reversal as an operation that changes the sign of the time coordinate operator t. Some illustrative relativistic quantum-mechanical models are c…
It is shown that the standard formulation of quantum mechanics in terms of Hermitian Hamiltonians is overly restrictive. A consistent physical theory of quantum mechanics can be built on a complex Hamiltonian that is not Hermitian but satisfies the less restrictive and more physical condition of space-time reflection symmetry (PT symmetry). Thus, there are infinitely many new Hamiltonians that one can construct to explain experimental data. One might expect that a quantum theory based on a non-Hermitian Hamiltonian would violate unitarity. However, if PT symmetry is not spontaneously broken, i…
It is an interesting and open problem to trace the origin of the pseudospin symmetry in nuclear single-particle spectra and its symmetry breaking mechanism in actual nuclei. In this report, we mainly focus on our recent progress on this topic by combining the similarity renormalization group technique, supersymmetric quantum mechanics, and perturbation theory. We found that it is a promising direction to understand the pseudospin symmetry in a quantitative way.
Two-photon states produce enough symmetry needed for Dirac's construction of the two-oscillator system which produces the Lie algebra for the O(3,2) space-time symmetry. This O(3,2) group can be contracted to the inhomogeneous Lorentz group which, according to Dirac, serves as the basic space-time symmetry for quantum mechanics in the Lorentz-covariant world. Since the harmonic oscillator serves as the language of Heisenberg's uncertainty relations, it is right to say that the symmetry of the Lorentz-covariant world, with Einstein's $E = mc^2$, is derivable from Heisenberg's uncertainty relati…
We show that the quantum Jarzynski equality generalizes to $\mathcal{PT}$-symmetric quantum mechanics with unbroken $\mathcal{PT}$-symmetry. In the regime of broken $\mathcal{PT}$-symmetry the Jarzynski equality does not hold as also the $\mathcal{CPT}$-norm is not preserved during the dynamics. These findings are illustrated for an experimentally relevant system -- two coupled optical waveguides. It turns out that for these systems the phase transition between the regimes of unbroken and broken $\mathcal{PT}$-symmetry is thermodynamically inhibited as the irreversible work diverges at the cri…
We consider the Dirac equation in 1+1 space-time dimension with vector, scalar and pseudo-scalar coupling. In the traditional spin (or pseudo-spin) symmetry, the difference between (or sum of) the scalar and vector potentials is a constant. Here, however, we introduce an alternative symmetry where the scalar or pseudo-scalar potential is proportional to the vector potential. This leads to a model with significant extensions to supersymmetric quantum mechanics. We present a formal solution of the problem but give explicit analytic results for specific examples.
When several inequivalent supercharges form a closed superalgebra in Quantum Mechanics it entails the appearance of hidden symmetries of a Super-Hamiltonian. We examine this problem in one-dimensional QM for the case of periodic potentials and potentials with finite number of bound states. After the survey of the results existing in the subject the algebraic and analytic properties of hidden-symmetry differential operators are rigorously elaborated in the Theorems and illuminated by several examples.
Attempting to reconcile general relativity with quantum mechanics is one of the great undertakings of contemporary physics. Here we present how the incompatibility between the two theories arises in the simple thought experiment of preparing a heavy object in a quantum superposition. Following Penrose's analysis of the problem, we determine the requirements on physical parameters to perform experiments where both theories potentially interplay. We use these requirements to compare different systems, focusing on mechanical oscillators which can be coupled to superconducting circuits.
We explore the group theoretical underpinning of noncommutative quantum mechanics for a system moving on the two-dimensional plane. We show that the pertinent groups for the system are the two-fold central extension of the Galilei group in $(2+1)$-space-time dimensions and the two-fold extension of the group of translations of $\mathbb R^4$. This latter group is just the standard Weyl-Heisenberg group of standard quantum mechanics with an additional central extension. We also look at a further extension of this group and discuss its significance to noncommutative quantum mechanics. We build un…
We generalize the formulation of non-commutative quantum mechanics to three dimensional non-commutative space. Particular attention is paid to the identification of the quantum Hilbert space in which the physical states of the system are to be represented, the construction of the representation of the rotation group on this space, the deformation of the Leibnitz rule accompanying this representation and the implied necessity of deforming the co-product to restore the rotation symmetry automorphism. This also implies the breaking of rotational invariance on the level of the Schroedinger action …
Symmetries in quantum mechanics are realized by the projective representations of the Lie group as physical states are defined only up to a phase. A cornerstone theorem shows that these representations are equivalent to the unitary representations of the central extension of the group. The formulation of the inertial states of special relativistic quantum mechanics as the projective representations of the inhomogeneous Lorentz group, and its nonrelativistic limit in terms of the Galilei group, are fundamental examples. Interestingly, neither of these symmetries includes the Weyl-Heisenberg gro…
Renormalization of the inverse square potential usually breaks its classical conformal invariance. In a strongly attractive potential, the scaling symmetry is broken to a discrete subgroup while, in a strongly repulsive potential, it is preserved at quantum level. In the intermediate, weak-medium range of the coupling, an anomalous length scale appears due to a flow of the renormalization group away from a critical point. We show that potentials with couplings in the strongly-repulsive and in the weak-medium ranges can be related by a dynamical supersymmetry. Imposing SUSY invariance unifies t…
We describe the implications of permutation symmetry for the state space and dynamics of quantum mechanical systems of matrices of general size $N$. We solve the general 11- parameter permutation invariant quantum matrix harmonic oscillator Hamiltonian and calculate the canonical partition function. The permutation invariant sector of the Hilbert space, for general Hamiltonians, can be described using partition algebra diagrams forming the bases of a tower of partition algebras $P_k(N)$. The integer $k$ is interpreted as the degree of matrix oscillator polynomials in the quantum mechanics. Fam…
