The Weyl-Wigner representations for canonical thermal equilibrium quantum states are obtained for the whole class of quadratic Hamiltonians through a Wick rotation of the Weyl-Wigner symbols of Heisenberg and metaplectic operators. The behavior of classical structures inherently associated to these unitaries is described under the Wick mapping, unveiling that a thermal equilibrium state is fully determined by a complex symplectic matrix, which sets all of its thermodynamical properties. The four categories of Hamiltonian dynamics (Parabolic, Elliptic, Hyperbolic, and Loxodromic) are analyzed. Semiclassical and high temperature approximations are derived and compared to the classical and/or quadratic behavior.
A generalized Weyl quantization formalism for a particle on the circle investigated in \cite{1} is developed. A Wigner function for the state $\hat{\varrho}$ and the kernel $\mathcal{K}$ for a particle on the circle is defined and its properties are analyzed. Then it is shown how this Wigner function can be easily modified to give the number-phase Wigner function in quantum optics. Some examples of such number-phase Wigner function are considered.
The Weyl-Wigner-Moyal formalism is developed for spin by means of a correspondence between spherical harmonics and spherical harmonic tensor operators. The analogue of the Moyal expansion is developed for the Weyl symbol of the product of two operators in terms of the symbols for the individual operators, and it is shown that in the classical limit, the Weyl symbol for a commutator equals $i$ times the Poisson bracket of the corresponding Weyl symbols. It is also found that, to the same order, there is no correction in the symbol for the anticommutator.
The Weyl quantization of classical observables on the torus (as phase space) without regularity assumptions is explicitly computed. The equivalence class of symbols yielding the same Weyl operator is characterized. The Heisenberg equation for the dynamics of general quantum observables is written through the Moyal brackets on the torus and the support of the Wigner transform is characterized. Finally, a dequantization procedure is introduced that applies, for instance, to the Pauli matrices. As a result we obtain the corresponding classical symbols.
We study the Weyl-Wigner transform in the case of discrete variables defined in a Hilbert space of finite prime-number dimensionality $N$. We define a family of Weyl-Wigner transforms as function of a phase parameter. We show that it is only for a specific value of the parameter that all the properties we have examined have a parallel with the case of continuous variables defined in an infinite-dimensional Hilbert space. A geometrical interpretation is briefly discussed.
We present a family of methods, which can describe behaviour of quantum ensembles and demonstrate the creation of nontrivial (meta) stable states (patterns), localized, chaotic, entangled or decoherent from basic localized modes in collective models arising from the quantum hierarchy of Wigner-von Neumann-Moyal equations.
An extension of the Weyl-Wigner-Moyal formulation of quantum mechanics suitable for a Dirac quantized constrained system is proposed. In this formulation, quantum observables are described by equivalent classes of Weyl symbols. The Weyl product of these equivalent classes is defined. The new Moyal bracket is shown to be compatible with the Dirac bracket for constrained systems.
The general Weyl -- Wigner formalism in finite dimensional phase spaces is investigated. Then this formalism is specified to the case of symmetric ordering of operators in an odd -- dimensional Hilbert space. A respective Wigner function on the discrete phase space is found and the limit, when the dimension of Hilbert space tends to infinity, is considered. It is shown that this limit gives the number -- phase Wigner function in quantum optics. Analogous results for the `almost' symmetric ordering in an even -- dimensional Hilbert space are obtained. Relations between the discrete Wigner funct…
Here, we clarify the physical aspects between the discrete Weyl-Wigner (W-W) formalism, well developed in condensed matter physics, and the so-called 'precise Weyl-Wigner calculus for lattice models' recently appearing in the literature. We point out that the use of compact continuous momentum space for a discrete lattice model is unphysically founded. It has an incommensurate phase space, highly unphysical, lacks the finite fields aspects, as exemplified by the Born-von Karman boundary condition of compactified Bravais lattice of solid-state physics, and leads to several ambiguities. This new…
The Weyl-Wigner-Moyal formalism for quantum particle with discrete internal degrees of freedom is developed. A one to one correspondence between operators in the Hilbert space $L^{2}(\mathbb{R}^{3})\otimes{\mathcal{H}}^{(s+1)}$ and functions on the phase space $\mathbb{R}^{3}\times\mathbb{R}^{3}\times \{0,...,s\} \times\{0,...,s\}$ is found. The expressions for the Stratonovich-Weyl quantizer, star product and Wigner functions of such systems for arbitrary values of spin are obtained in detail. As examples the Landau levels and the corresponding Wigner functions for a spin $\frac{1}{2}$ nonrel…
The Weyl-Wigner-Moyal formalism of fermionic classical systems with a finite number of degrees of freedom is considered. This correspondence is studied by computing the relevant Stratonovich-Weyl quantizer. The Moyal $\star$-product, Wigner functions and normal ordering are obtained for generic fermionic systems. Finally, this formalism is used to perform the deformation quantization of the Fermi oscillator and the supersymmetric quantum mechanics.
Classical model of light in helicity formalism is presented. Then quantum point of view at photons -- construction and interpretation of photon wave function is proposed. Quantum mechanics of photon is investigated. The Białynicki -- Birula scalar product $\langle {\bf Ψ}_{1}|{\bf Ψ}_{2}\rangle_{BB}$ and the generalized Hermitian conjugation $\widehatγ^{+\hspace{-0.45em}+}$ of linear operator $\widehatγ$ are discussed. Quantum description of light on a phase space is developed. A photon Wigner function is built.
The metaplectic covariance for all forms of the Weyl-Wigner-Groenewold-Moyal quantization is established with different realizations of the inhomogeneous symplectic algebra. Beyond that, in its most general form $W_{\infty}$ -covariance of this quantization scheme is investigated, and explicit expressions for the quantum-deformed Hamiltonian vector fields are presented. In a general basis the structure constants of the $W_{\infty}$-algebra are obtained and its subalgebras are analyzed.
A relativistic phase-space representation for a class of observables with matrix-valued Weyl symbols proportional to the identity matrix (charge-invariant observables)is proposed. We take into account the nontrivial charge structure of the position and momentum operators. The evolution equation coincides with its analog in relativistic quantum mechanics with nonlocal Hamiltonian under conditions where particle-pair creation does not take place (free particle and constant magnetic field). The differences in the equations are connected with peculiarities of the constraints on the initial conditi…
For classical canonical transformations, one can, using the Wigner transformation, pass from their representation in Hilbert space to a kernel in phase space. In this paper it will be discussed how the time-dependence of the uncertainties of the corresponding time-dependent quantum problems can be incorporated into this formalism.
The Wigner-Weyl isomorphism for quantum mechanics on a compact simple Lie group $G$ is developed in detail. Several New features are shown to arise which have no counterparts in the familiar Cartesian case. Notable among these is the notion of a `semiquantised phase space', a structure on which the Weyl symbols of operators turn out to be naturally defined and, figuratively speaking, located midway between the classical phase space $T^*G$ and the Hilbert space of square integrable functions on $G$. General expressions for the star product for Weyl symbols are presented and explicitly worked ou…
The Weyl-Wigner map yields the entire structure of Moyal quantum mechanics directly from the standard operator formulation. The covariant generalization of Moyal theory, also known as Vey quantum mechanics, was presented in the literature many years ago. However, a derivation of the formalism directly from standard operator quantum mechanics, clarifying the relation between the two formulations is still missing. In this paper we present a covariant generalization of the Weyl order prescription and of the Weyl-Wigner map and use them to derive Vey quantum mechanics directly from the standard op…
A mapping between operators on the Hilbert space of $N$-dimensional quantum system and the Wigner quasiprobability distributions defined on the symplectic flag manifold is discussed. The Wigner quasiprobability distribution is constructed as a dual pairing between the density matrix and the Stratonovich-Weyl kernel. It is shown that the moduli space of the Stratonovich-Weyl kernel is given by an intersection of the coadjoint orbit space of the $SU(N)$ group and a unit $(N-2)$-dimensional sphere. The general consideration is exemplified by a detailed description of the moduli space of 2, 3 and …
The family of unitary non-equivalent Weyl-Stratonovich kernels determining the Wigner probability distribution function of an arbitrary N-level quantum system is constructed.
A polarization correlation experiment with two maximally entangled photons created by spontaneous parametric down-conversion is studied in the Weyl-Wigner formalism, that reproduces the quantum predictions. An interpretation is proposed in terms of stochastic processes assuming that the quantum vacuum fields are real. This proves that local realism is compatible with the violation of Bell inequalities, thus rebutting the claim that local realism has been refuted by entangled photon experiments. Entanglement appears as a correlation between fluctuations of a signal field and vacuum fields.
A fluid analog of the information flux in the phase-space associated to purity and von Neumann entropy are identified in the Weyl-Wigner formalism of quantum mechanics. Once constrained by symmetry and positiveness, the encountered continuity equations provide novel quantifiers for non-classicality (non-Liouvillian fluidity) given in terms of quantum decoherence, purity and von Neumann entropy fluxes. Through definitions in the Weyl-Wigner formalism, one can identify the quantum fluctuations that distort the classical-quantum coincidence regime, and the corresponding quantum information profil…
We first introduce the Wigner-Weyl-Moyal formalism for a theory whose phase-space is an arbitrary Lie algebra. We also generalize to quantum Lie algebras and to supersymmetric theories. It turns out that the non-commutativity leads to a deformation of the classical phase-space: instead of being a vector space it becomes a manifold, the topology of which is given by the commutator relations. It is shown in fact that the classical phase-space, for a semi-simple Lie algebra, becomes a homogenous symplectic manifold. The symplectic product is also deformed. We finally make some comments on how to …
The Wigner function of a finite-dimensional system can be constructed via dual pairing of a density matrix with the Stratonovich-Weyl kernel. Following Kenfack and $\dot{\text{Z}}$yczkowski, we consider the indicator of nonclassicality of a finite-dimensional quantum system which depends on the volume of the negative part of the Wigner function. This indicator is defined over the unitary non-equivalent classes of quantum states, i.e. represents an invariant, but since for a given quantum system there is no unique Wigner function it turns to be sensitive to the choice of representations for the…
We show that the cross Wigner function can be written in the form $W(ψ, ϕ)= \hat S (ψ\otimes \overline{\hatϕ})$ where ${\hatϕ}$ is the Fourier transform of $ϕ$ and $\hat S$ is a metaplectic operator that projects onto a linear symplectomorphism $S$ consisting of a rotation along an ellipse in phase space (or in the time-frequency space). This formulation can be extended to generic Weyl symbols and yields an interesting fractional generalization of the Weyl-Wigner formalism. It also provides a suitable approach to study the Bopp phase space representation of quantum mechanics, familiar from def…
A description of scalar charged particles, based on the Feshbach-Villars formalism, is proposed. Particles are described by an object that is a Wigner function in usual coordinates and momenta and a density matrix in the charge variable. It is possible to introduce the usual Wigner function for a large class of dynamical variables. Such an approach explicitly contains a measuring device frame. From our point of view it corresponds to the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics. It is shown how physical properties of such particles depend on the definition of the coordinate operator. The…
The Gibbs canonical state, as a maximum entropy density matrix, represents a quantum system in equilibrium with a thermostat. This state plays an essential role in thermodynamics and serves as the initial condition for nonequilibrium dynamical simulations. We solve a long standing problem for computing the Gibbs state Wigner function with nearly machine accuracy by solving the Bloch equation directly in the phase space. Furthermore, the algorithms are provided yielding high quality Wigner distributions for pure stationary states as well as for Thomas-Fermi and Bose-Einstein distributions. The …
The differential structure of operator bases used in various forms of the Weyl-Wigner-Groenewold-Moyal (WWGM) quantization is analyzed and a derivative-based approach, alternative to the conventional integral-based one is developed. Thus the fundamental quantum relations follow in a simpler and unified manner. An explicit formula for the ordered products of the Heisenberg-Weyl algebra is obtained. The W(infty) -covariance of the WWGM-quantization in its most general form is established. It is shown that the group action of W(infty) that is realized in the classical phase space induces on bases…
We derive a quantum kinetic model describing the dynamics of graphene electrons in phase space based on the Wigner--Weyl formalism. To take into account the quantum nature of the carriers, we make use of the quantum Liouville equation for the density matrix. By relating the density matrix elements with the Wigner function, the equation of motion for the latter is established, with the Coulomb interaction being introduced self-consistently (i.e., in the Hartree approximation). The long-wavelength limit for the plasmon dispersion relation is obtained, for both ungated and gated situations. As an…
We show that qubit stabilizer states can be represented by non-negative quasi-probability distributions associated with a Wigner-Weyl-Moyal formalism where Clifford gates are positive state-independent maps. This is accomplished by generalizing the Wigner-Weyl-Moyal formalism to three generators instead of two---producing an exterior, or Grassmann, algebra---which results in Clifford group gates for qubits that act as a permutation on the finite Weyl phase space points naturally associated with stabilizer states. As a result, a non-negative probability distribution can be associated with each …
It is shown that a $N\times N$ real symmetric [complex hermitian] positive definite matrix $V$ is congruent to a diagonal matrix modulo a pseudo-orthogonal [pseudo-unitary] matrix in $SO(m,n)$ [ $SU(m,n)$], for any choice of partition $N=m+n$. It is further shown that the method of proof in this context can easily be adapted to obtain a rather simple proof of Williamson's theorem which states that if $N$ is even then $V$ is congruent also to a diagonal matrix modulo a symplectic matrix in $Sp(N,{\cal R})$ [$Sp(N,{\cal C})$]. Applications of these results considered include a generalization of …
A theory of nonunitary-invertible as well as unitary canonical transformations is formulated in the context of Weyl's phase space representations. Exact solutions of the transformation kernels and the phase space propagators are given for the three fundamental canonical maps as fractional-linear, gauge and contact (point) transformations. Under the nonlinear maps a phase space representation is mapped to another phase space representation thereby extending the standard concept of covariance. This extended covariance allows Dirac-Jordan transformation theory to naturally emerge from the Hilbert…
In a system of coupled harmonic oscillators, the interaction can be represented by a real, symmetric and positive definite interaction matrix. The quantization of a Hamiltonian describing such a system has been done in the canonical case. In this paper, we take a more general approach and look at the system as a Wigner quantum system. Hereby, one does not assume the canonical commutation relations, but instead one just requires the compatibility between the Hamilton and Heisenberg equations. Solutions of this problem are related to the Lie superalgebras gl(1|n) and osp(1|2n). We determine the …
Classical and quantum mechanics across representations: an operational reading of the Wigner Weyl correspondence
University of Vienna, Faculty of Physics（维也纳大学物理学院）；Vienna Center for Quantum Science and Technology（维也纳量子科学与技术中心）；Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information (IQOQI), Austrian Academy of Sciences（奥地利科学院量子光学与量子信息研究所）；Constructor University（Constructor大学）；University of Geneva, Group of Applied Physics（日内瓦大学应用物理组）
A comprehensive theory of the Weyl-Wigner formalism for the canonical pair angle-angular momentum is presented, with special emphasis in the implications of rotational periodicity and angular-momentum discreteness.
A general canonical transformation of mechanical operators of position and momentum is considered. It is shown that it automatically generates a parameter s which leads to a generalized (or s-parameterized) Wigner function. This allows one to derive a generalized (s-parameterized) Moyal brackets for any dimensions. In the classical limit the s-parameterized Wigner averages of the momentum and its square yield the respective classical values. Interestingly enough,in the latter case the classical Hamilton-Jacobi equation emerges as a consequence of such a transition only if there is a non-zero p…
Based on the technique of integration within an ordered product (IWOP) of operators we introduce the Fresnel operator for converting Caldirola-Kanai Hamiltonian into time-independent harmonic oscillator Hamiltonian. The Fresnel operator with the parameters A,B,C,D corresponds to classical optical Fresnel transformation, these parameters are the solution to a set of partial differential equations set up in the above mentioned converting process. In this way the exact wavefunction solution of the Schrödinger equation governed by the Caldirola-Kanai Hamiltonian is obtained, which represents a squ…
Using operators' Weyl ordering expansion formula (Hong-yi Fan,\emph{\}J. Phys. A 25 (1992) 3443) we find new two-fold integration transformation about the Wigner operator $Δ(q',p')$ ($q$-number transform) in phase space quantum mechanics, \[ \iint_{-\infty}^\infty dp' dq'/πΔ(q',p') e^{-2i(p-p') (q-q')} =δ(p-P) δ(q-Q), \] and its inverse \[\iint_{-\infty}^\infty dq dp δ(p-P) δ(q-Q) e^{2i(p-p') (q-q')}=Δ(q',p'), \] where $Q,$ $P$ are the coordinate and momentum operators, respectively. We apply it to studying mutual converting formulas among $Q-P$ ordering, $P-Q$ ordering and Weyl ordering of op…
A finite Hilbert space can be associated to a periodic phase space, that is, a torus. A finite subgroup of operators corresponding to reflections and translations on the torus form respectively the basis for the discrete Weyl representation, including the Wigner function, and for its Fourier conjugate, the chord representation. They are invariant under Clifford transformations and obey analogous product rules to the continuous representations, so allowing for the calculation of expectations and correlations for observables. We here import new identities from the continuum for products of pure …
We present a method for calculating expectation values of operators in terms of a corresponding c-function formalism which is not the Wigner--Weyl position-momentum phase-space, but another space. Here, the quantity representing the quantum system is the expectation value of the displacement operator, parametrized by the position and momentum displacements, and expectation values are evaluated as classical integrals over these parameters. The displacement operator is found to offer a complete orthogonal basis for operators, and some of its other properties are investigated. Connection to the W…
We derive a semi-classical nonequilibrium work identity by applying the Wigner-Weyl quantization scheme to the Jarzynski identity for a classical Hamiltonian. This allows us, to the leading order in $\hbar$, to overcome the problem of defining the concept of work in quantum mechanics. We propose a geometric interpretation of this semi-classical relation in terms of trajectories in a complex phase space and illustrate it with the exactly solvable case of the quantum harmonic oscillator.
We address the problem of integrating operator equations concomitant with the dynamics of non autonomous quantum systems by taking advantage of the use of time-dependent canonical transformations. In particular, we proceed to a discussion in regard to basic examples of one-dimensional non-autonomous dynamical systems enjoying the property that their Hamiltonian can be mapped through a time-dependent linear canonical transformation into an autonomous form, up to a time-dependent multiplicative factor. The operator equations we process essentially reproduce at the quantum level the classical int…
The knowledge of quantum phase flow induced under the Weyl's association rule by the evolution of Heisenberg operators of canonical coordinates and momenta allows to find the evolution of symbols of generic Heisenberg operators. The quantum phase flow curves obey the quantum Hamilton's equations and play the role of characteristics. At any fixed level of accuracy of semiclassical expansion, quantum characteristics can be constructed by solving a coupled system of first-order ordinary differential equations for quantum trajectories and generalized Jacobi fields. Classical and quantum constraint…
Schwinger's finite (D) dimensional periodic Hilbert space representations are studied on the toroidal lattice ${\ee Z}_{D} \times {\ee Z}_{D}$ with specific emphasis on the deformed oscillator subalgebras and the generalized representations of the Wigner function. These subalgebras are shown to be admissible endowed with the non-negative norm of Hilbert space vectors. Hence, they provide the desired canonical basis for the algebraic formulation of the quantum phase problem. Certain equivalence classes in the space of labels are identified within each subalgebra, and connections with area-prese…
By introducing the s-parameterized generalized Wigner operator into phase-space quantum mechanics we invent the technique of integration within s-ordered product of operators (which considers normal ordered, antinormally ordered and Weyl ordered product of operators as its special cases). The s-ordered operator expansion formula of density operators is derived, and the s-parameterized quantization scheme is thus completely established.
By introducing a new entangled state representation, we show that the Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) mode is just the wave function of the common eigenvector of the orbital angular momentum and the total photon number operators of 2-d oscillator, which can be generated by 50:50 beam splitter with the phase difference phi=Pi/2ϕ between the reflected and transmitted fields. Based on this and using the Weyl ordering invariance under similar transforms, the Wigner representation of LG is directly obtained, which can be considered as the generalized Wigner transform of Hermite Gaussian modes.
The classical limit of the Wigner-Weyl representation is used to approximate products of bound-continuum matrix elements that are fundamental to many coherent control computations. The range of utility of the method is quantified through an examination of model problems, single-channel Na_2 dissociation and multi-arrangement channel photodissociation of CH_2IBr. Very good agreement with the exact quantum results is found for a wide range of system parameters.
The relativistic phase-space representation by means of the usual position and momentum operators for a class of observables with Weyl symbols independent of charge variable (i.e. with any combination of position and momentum) is proposed. The dynamical equation coincides with its analogue in the non-local theory (generalization of the Newton-Wigner position operator approach) under conditions when particles creation is impossible. Differences reveal themselves in specific constraints on possible initial conditions.
We consider a non-canonical phase-space deformation of the Heisenberg-Weyl algebra that was recently introduced in the context of quantum cosmology. We prove the existence of minimal uncertainties for all pairs of non-commuting variables. We also show that the states which minimize each uncertainty inequality are ground states of certain positive operators. The algebra is shown to be stable and to violate the usual Heisenberg-Pauli-Weyl inequality for position and momentum. The techniques used are potentially interesting in the context of time-frequency analysis.
The Weyl-Wigner formulation of quantum confined systems poses several interesting problems. The energy stargenvalue equation, as well as the dynamical equation does not display the expected solutions. In this paper we review some previous results in the subject and add some new contributions. We reformulate the confined energy eigenvalue equation by adding to the Hamiltonian a new (distributional) boundary potential. The new Hamiltonian is proved to be globally defined and self-adjoint. Moreover, it yields the correct Weyl-Wigner formulation of the confined system.
In deformation quantization (a.k.a. the Wigner-Weyl-Moyal formulation of quantum mechanics), we consider a single quantum particle moving freely in one dimension, except for the presence of one infinite potential wall. Dias and Prata pointed out that, surprisingly, its stationary-state Wigner function does not obey the naive equation of motion, i.e. the naive stargenvalue (*-genvalue) equation. We review our recent work on this problem, that treats the infinite wall as the limit of a Liouville potential. Also included are some new results: (i) we show explicitly that the Wigner-Weyl transform …
The formulation of the no-cloning theorem in the framework of phase-space noncommutative (NC) quantum mechanics (QM) is examined, and its implications for the computation of quantum cloning probabilities and teleportation fidelity are investigated through the Weyl-Wigner formulation of QM. The principles of QM re-edited in terms of a deformed Heisenberg-Weyl algebra are shown to provide a covariant formulation for the quantum fidelity, through which the results from the no-cloning theorem for the ordinary QM can be reproduced. Besides exhibiting an explicit correspondence between standard and …
We construct a representation of the coherent state path integral using the Weyl symbol of the Hamiltonian operator. This representation is very different from the usual path integral forms suggested by Klauder and Skagerstan in \cite{Klau85}, which involve the normal or the antinormal ordering of the Hamiltonian. These different representations, although equivalent quantum mechanically, lead to different semiclassical limits. We show that the semiclassical limit of the coherent state propagator in Weyl representation is involves classical trajectories that are independent on the coherent stat…
By using the localized character of canonical coherent states, we give a straightforward derivation of the Bargmann integral representation of Wigner function (W). A non-integral representation is presented in terms of a quadratic form V*FV, where F is a self-adjoint matrix whose entries are tabulated functions and V is a vector depending in a simple recursive way on the derivatives of the Bargmann function. Such a representation may be of use in numerical computations. We discuss a relation involving the geometry of Wigner function and the spacial uncertainty of the coherent state basis we us…
