Proceedings: M. Ferrero, A. van der Merwe, eds. New Developments on Fundamental Problems in Quantum Physics (Kluwer, N.Y. 1997) pp. 213-224. LaTeX, 12 pages (late submission)
We propose the assumption of quantum mechanics on a discrete space and time, which implies the modification of mathematical expressions for some postulates of quantum mechanics. In particular we have a Hilbert space where the vectors are complex functions of discrete variable. As a concrete example we develop a discrete analog of the one-dimensional quantum harmonic oscillator, using the dependence of the Wigner functions in terms of Kravchuk polynomials. In this model the position operator has a discrete spectrum given by one index of the Wigner functions, in the same way that the energy eigenvalues are given by the other matricial index. Similar picture can be made for other models where the differential equation and their solutions correspond to the continuous limit of some difference operator and orthogonal polynomial of discrete variable.
A deterministic Bohmian mechanics for operators with continuous and discrete spectra is presented. Randomness enters only through initial conditions. Operators with discrete spectra are incorporated into Bohmian mechanics by associating with each operator a continuous variable in which a finite range of the continuous variable correspond to the same discrete eigenvalue. In this way Bohmian mechanics can handle the creation and annihilation of particles. Examples are given and generalizations are discussed.
The possibility that time can be regarded as a discrete parameter is re-examined. We study the dynamics of the free particle and find in some cases superluminal propagation.
A general formlulation for discrete-time quantum mechanics, based on Feynman's method in ordinary quantum mechanics, is presented. It is shown that the ambiguities present in ordinary quantum mechanics (due to noncommutativity of the operators), are no longer present here. Then the criteria for the unitarity of the evolution operator is examined. It is shown that the unitarity of the evolution operator puts restrictions on the form of the action, and also implies the existence of a solution for the classical initial-value problem.
We propose a discrete path integral formalism over graphs fundamental to quantum mechanics (QM) based on our interpretation of QM called Relational Blockworld (RBW). In our approach, the transition amplitude is not viewed as a sum over all field configurations, but is a mathematical machine for measuring the symmetry of the discrete differential operator and source vector of the discrete action. Therefore, we restrict the path integral to the row space of the discrete differential operator, which also contains the discrete source vector, in order to avoid singularities. In this fashion we obta…
Quantum mechanics is usually presented starting from a series of postulates about the mathematical framework. In this work we show that those same postulates can be derived by assuming that measurements are discrete interactions: that is, that we measure at specific moments in time (as opposed to a continuous measurement that spans a long time interval) and that the system is in general affected by our measurement. We believe that this way of presenting quantum mechanics would make it easier to understand by laying out a more cohesive view of the theory and making it resonate more with our phy…
This paper presents a new modified quantum mechanics, Critical Complexity Quantum Mechanics, which includes a new account of wavefunction collapse. This modified quantum mechanics is shown to arise naturally from a fully discrete physics, where all physical quantities are discrete rather than continuous. I compare this theory with the spontaneous collapse theories of Ghirardi, Rimini, Weber and Pearle and discuss some implications of the theory for a realist view of the quantum realm.
The discrete phase space continuous time representation of relativistic quantum mechanics involving a characteristic length $l$ is investigated. Fundamental physical constants such as $\hbar$, $c$, and $l$ are retained for most sections of the paper. The energy eigenvalue problem for the Planck oscillator is solved exactly in this framework. Discrete concircular orbits of constant energy are shown to be circles $S^{1}_{n}$ of radii $2E_n =\sqrt{2n+1}$ within the discrete (1 + 1)-dimensional phase plane. Moreover, the time evolution of these orbits sweep out world-sheet like geometrical entitie…
This paper presents a simple model that mimics quantum mechanics (QM) results in terms of probability fields of free particles subject to self-interference, without using Schroedinger equation or complex wavefunctions. Unlike the standard QM picture, the proposed model only uses integer-valued quantities and arithmetic operations. In particular, it assumes a discrete spacetime under the form of an euclidean lattice. The proposed approach describes individual particle trajectories as random walks. Transition probabilities are simple functions of a few quantities that are either randomly associa…
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 …
This paper presents a simple model that mimics quantum mechanics (QM) results in terms of probability fields of free particles subject to self-interference, without using Schrödinger equation or wavefunctions. Unlike the standard QM picture, the proposed model only uses integer-valued quantities and arithmetic operations. In particular, it assumes a discrete spacetime under the form of an euclidean lattice. The proposed approach describes individual particle trajectories as random walks. Transition probabilities are simple functions of a few quantities that are either randomly associated to th…
This paper presents a realistic, stochastic, and local model that reproduces nonrelativistic quantum mechanics (QM) results without using its mathematical formulation. The proposed model only uses integer-valued quantities and operations on probabilities, in particular assuming a discrete spacetime under the form of a Euclidean lattice. Individual (spinless) particle trajectories are described as random walks. Transition probabilities are simple functions of a few quantities that are either randomly associated to the particles during their preparation, or stored in the lattice nodes they visit…
Discrete quantum mechanics is here defined to be a quantum theory of wave functions defined on integers P_i and Q_i, while canonical quantum mechanics is assumed to be based on wave functions on the real numbers, R^n. We study reversible mappings from the position operators q_i and their quantum canonical operators p_i of a canonical theory, onto the discrete, commuting operators Q_i and P_i. In this paper we are particularly interested in harmonic oscillators. In the discrete system, these turn into deterministic models, which is our motivation for this study. We regard the procedure worked o…
I propose a version of quantum mechanics featuring a discrete and finite number of states that is plausibly a model of the real world. The model is based on standard unitary quantum theory of a closed system with a finite-dimensional Hilbert space. Given certain simple conditions on the spectrum of the Hamiltonian, Schrödinger evolution is periodic, and it is straightforward to replace continuous time with a discrete version, with the result that the system only visits a discrete and finite set of state vectors. The biggest challenges to the viability of such a model come from cosmological con…
We use the discrete approach to solve the Schrödinger as well as the Bloch equations for a free particle and the quantum gas of free particles embedded in an infinite quantum well with the finite width. We obtain the expressions of energy eigenvalues, the eigenfunctions as well as the density matrix and partition function for the discrete case. By applying the continuous quantum mechanics limit we recover the corresponding results in the continuous-variable quantum mechanics.
In the present contribution we discuss the role of experimental limitations in the classical limit problem. We studied some simple models and found that Quantum Mechanics does not re-produce classical mechanical predictions, unless we consider the experimental limitations ruled by uncertainty principle. We have shown that the discrete nature of energy levels of integrable systems can be accessed by classical measurements. We have defined a precise limit for this procedure. It may be used as a tool to define the classical limit as far as the discrete spectra of integrable systems are concerned.…
Quantum computers have the potential to transform the ways in which we tackle some important problems. The efforts by companies like Google, IBM and Microsoft to construct quantum computers have been making headlines for years. Equally important is the challenge of translating problems into a state that can be fed to these machines. Because quantum computers are in essence controllable quantum systems, the problems that most naturally map to them are those of quantum mechanics. Quantum chemistry has seen particular success in the form of the variational quantum eigensolver (VQE) algorithm, whi…
Modifying the discrete mechanics proposed by T.D. Lee, we construct a class of discrete classical Hamiltonian systems, in which time is one of the dynamical variables. This includes a toy model of time machines which can travel forward and backward in time and which differ from models based on closed timelike curves (CTCs). In the continuum limit, we explore the interaction between such time reversing machines and quantum mechanical objects, employing a recent description of quantum-classical hybrids.
We discuss the principles to be used in the construction of discrete time classical and quantum mechanics as applied to point particle systems. In the classical theory this includes the concept of virtual path and the construction of system functions from classical Lagrangians, Cadzow's variational principle applied to the action sum, Maeda-Noether and Logan invariants of the motion, elliptic and hyperbolic harmonic oscillator behaviour, gauge invariant electrodynamics and charge conservation, and the Grassmannian oscillator. First quantised discrete time mechanics is discussed via the concept…
In one-dimensional quantum mechanics, or the Sturm-Liouville theory, Crum's theorem describes the relationship between the original and the associated Hamiltonian systems, which are iso-spectral except for the lowest energy state. Its counterpart in `discrete' quantum mechanics is formulated algebraically, elucidating the basic structure of the discrete quantum mechanics, whose Schrödinger equation is a difference equation.
We apply the principles discussed in earlier papers to the construction of discrete time quantum field theories. We use the Schwinger action principle to find the discrete time free field commutators for scalar fields, which allows us to set up the reduction formalism for discrete time scattering processes. Then we derive the discrete time analogue of the Feynman rules for a scalar field with a cubic self interaction and give examples of discrete time scattering amplitude calculations. We find overall conservation of total linear momentum and overall conservation of total theta parameters, whi…
In this work we have presented a rather general and easy-to-apply method for discrete Hilbert space representation of quantum mechanical Green's operators. We have shown that if in some discrete Hilbert space basis representation the Hamiltonian takes an infinite symmetric tridiagonal, i.e. Jacobi-matrix form the corresponding Green's matrix can be calculated on the whole complex energy plane by a continued fraction. The procedure necessitates only the analytic calculation of the Hamiltonian matrix elements, which are used to construct the coefficients of the continued fraction. This continued…
We apply the principles discussed in an earlier paper to the construction of discrete time field theories. We derive the discrete time field equations of motion and Noether's theorem and apply them to the Schrodinger equation to illustrate the methodology. Stationary solutions to the discrete time Schrodinger wave equation are found to be identical to standard energy eigenvalue solutions except for a fundamental limit on the energy. Then we apply the formalism to the free neutral Klein Gordon system, deriving the equations of motion and conserved quantities such as the linear momentum and angu…
The supersymmetric quantum mechanical model based on higher-derivative supercharge operators possessing unbroken supersymmetry and discrete energies below the vacuum state energy is described. As an example harmonic oscillator potential is considered.
We suggest a general ansatz for the energy-eigenstates when a complex one-dimensional PT-symmetric potential possesses real discrete spectrum. Several interesting features of PT-symmetric quantum mechanics have been brought out using this ansatz.
We apply the principles of discrete time mechanics discussed in earlier papers to the first and second quantised Dirac equation. We use the Schwinger action principle to find the anticommutation relations of the Dirac field and of the particle creation operators in the theory. We find new solutions to the discrete time Dirac equation, referred to as oscillons on account of their extraordinary behaviour. Their principal characteristic is that they oscillate with a period twice that of the fundamental time interval T of our theory. Although these solutions can be associated with definite charge,…
The annihilation-creation operators $a^{(\pm)}$ are defined as the positive/negative frequency parts of the exact Heisenberg operator solution for the `sinusoidal coordinate'. Thus $a^{(\pm)}$ are hermitian conjugate to each other and the relative weights of various terms in them are solely determined by the energy spectrum. This unified method applies to most of the solvable quantum mechanics of single degree of freedom including those belonging to the `discrete' quantum mechanics.
Discrete wave mechanics describes the evolution of classical or matter waves on a lattice, which is governed by a discretized version of the Schrödinger equation. While for a vanishing lattice spacing wave evolution of the continuous Schrödinger equation is retrieved, spatial discretization and lattice effects can deeply modify wave dynamics. Here we discuss implications of breakdown of exact Galilean invariance of the discrete Schrödinger equation on the bound states sustained by a smooth potential well which is uniformly moving on the lattice with a drift velocity $v$. While in the continuou…
Certain intriguing consequences of the discreteness of time on the time evolution of dynamical systems are discussed. In the discrete-time classical mechanics proposed here, there is an {\it arrow of time} that follows from the fact that the replacement of the time derivative by the backward difference operator alone can preserve the non-negativity of the phase space density. It is seen that, even for free particles, all the degrees of freedom are {\it correlated} in principle. The forward evolution of functions of phase space variables by a finite number of time steps, in this discrete-time m…
Various examples of exactly solvable `discrete' quantum mechanics are explored explicitly with emphasis on shape invariance, Heisenberg operator solutions, annihilation-creation operators, the dynamical symmetry algebras and coherent states. The eigenfunctions are the (q-)Askey-scheme of hypergeometric orthogonal polynomials satisfying difference equation versions of the Schrödinger equation. Various reductions (restrictions) of the symmetry algebra of the Askey-Wilson system are explored in detail.
We consider discrete and integer-valued cellular automata (CA). A particular class of which comprises "Hamiltonian CA" with equations of motion that bear similarities to Hamilton's equations, while they present discrete updating rules. The dynamics is linear, quite similar to unitary evolution described by the Schroedinger equation. This has been essential in our construction of an invertible map between such CA and continuous quantum mechanical models, which incorporate a fundamental discreteness scale. Based on Shannon's sampling theory, it leads, for example, to a one-to-one relation betwee…
The central idea of this work is the concept of prespace, a hypothetical structure that is postulated to underlie the fabric of space or space-time. I consider how such a structure could relate to space and space-time, and the implications of the existence of this structure for quantum theory. I compare space and space-time to other spaces used in physics, such as configuration space, phase space, and Hilbert space. I support the 'property view' of space, opposing both the traditional views of space and space-time, substantivalism and relationism. I argue that configuration space has a special…
Brief introduction to the discrete quantum mechanics is given together with the main results on various exactly solvable systems. Namely, the intertwining relations, shape invariance, Heisenberg operator solutions, annihilation/creation operators, dynamical symmetry algebras including the $q$-oscillator algebra and the Askey-Wilson algebra. A simple recipe to construct exactly and quasi-exactly solvable Hamiltonians in one-dimensional `discrete' quantum mechanics is presented. It reproduces all the known ones whose eigenfunctions consist of the Askey scheme of hypergeometric orthogonal polynom…
The asymptotic of the solution of the discrete Wheeler-DeWitt equation is found in the vicinity of small scale factors. It is shown that this problem is equivalent to the solution of the stationary Schrödinger equation in the (super) space of negative constant curvature. The minimum positive eigenvalue is found from which a continuous spectrum begins.
We present a simple recipe to construct exactly and quasi-exactly solvable Hamiltonians in one-dimensional `discrete' quantum mechanics, in which the Schrödinger equation is a difference equation. It reproduces all the known ones whose eigenfunctions consist of the Askey scheme of hypergeometric orthogonal polynomials of a continuous or a discrete variable. The recipe also predicts several new ones. An essential role is played by the sinusoidal coordinate, which generates the closure relation and the Askey-Wilson algebra together with the Hamiltonian. The relationship between the closure relat…
Crum's theorem in one-dimensional quantum mechanics asserts the existence of an associated Hamiltonian system for any given Hamiltonian with the complete set of eigenvalues and eigenfunctions. The associated system is iso-spectral to the original one except for the lowest energy state, which is deleted. A modification due to Krein-Adler provides algebraic construction of a new complete Hamiltonian system by deleting a finite number of energy levels. Here we present a discrete version of the modification based on the Crum's theorem for the `discrete' quantum mechanics developed by two of the pr…
We construct a discrete quantum mechanics using a vector space over the Galois field GF(q). We find that the correlations in our model do not violate the Clauser-Horne-Shimony-Holt (CHSH) version of Bell's inequality, despite the fact that the predictions of this discrete quantum mechanics cannot be reproduced with any hidden variable theory.
We present a general framework of quantum error-correcting codes (QECCs) as a subspace of a complex Hilbert space and the corresponding error models. Then we illustrate how QECCs can be constructed using techniques from algebraic coding theory. Additionally, we discuss secondary constructions for QECCs, leading to propagation rules for the parameters of QECCs.
Several kinds of q-orthogonal polynomials with |q|=1 are constructed as the main parts of the eigenfunctions of new solvable discrete quantum mechanical systems. Their orthogonality weight functions consist of quantum dilogarithm functions, which are a natural extension of the Euler gamma functions and the q-gamma functions (q-shifted factorials). The dimensions of the orthogonal spaces are finite. These q-orthogonal polynomials are expressed in terms of the Askey-Wilson polynomials and their certain limit forms.
The three-dimensional potential equation, motivated by representations of quantum mechanics, is investigated in four different scenarios: (i) In the usual Euclidean space $\mathbb{E}_{3}$ where the potential is singular but invariant under the continuous inhomogeneous orthogonal group $\mathcal{I}O(3)$. The invariance under the translation subgroup is compared to the corresponding unitary transformation in the Schrödinger representation of quantum mechanics. This scenario is well known but serves as a reference point for the other scenarios. (ii) Next, the discrete potential equation as a part…
In this letter we briefly investigate the mathematical structure of space-time in the framework of discretization. It is shown that the discreteness of space-time may result in a new mechanical system which differ from the usual quantum mechanics (QM).
A comprehensive review of the discrete quantum mechanics with the pure imaginary shifts and the real shifts is presented in parallel with the corresponding results in the ordinary quantum mechanics. The main subjects to be covered are the factorised Hamiltonians, the general structure of the solution spaces of the Schroedinger equation (Crum's theorem and its modification), the shape invariance, the exact solvability in the Schroedinger picture as well as in the Heisenberg picture, the creation/annihilation operators and the dynamical symmetry algebras, the unified theory of exact and quasi-ex…
Attempts to derive the Born rule, either in the Many Worlds or Copenhagen interpretation, are unsatisfactory for systems with only a finite number of degrees of freedom. In the case of Many Worlds this is a serious problem, since its goal is to account for apparent collapse phenomena, including the Born rule for probabilities, assuming only unitary evolution of the wavefunction. For finite number of degrees of freedom, observers on the vast majority of branches would not deduce the Born rule. However, discreteness of the quantum state space, even if extremely tiny, may restore the validity of …
Two sets of infinitely many exceptional orthogonal polynomials related to the Wilson and Askey-Wilson polynomials are presented. They are derived as the eigenfunctions of shape invariant and thus exactly solvable quantum mechanical Hamiltonians, which are deformations of those for the Wilson and Askey-Wilson polynomials in terms of a degree \ell (\ell=1,2,...) eigenpolynomial. These polynomials are exceptional in the sense that they start from degree \ell\ge1 and thus not constrained by any generalisation of Bochner's theorem.
Coupling a discrete state to a quasi-continuum: A model quantum mechanical system that interpolates between Rabi oscillations and decay-revival dynamics
By adapting Feynman's sum over paths method to a quantum mechanical system whose phase space is a torus, a new proof of the Landsberg-Schaar identity for quadratic Gauss sums is given. In contrast to existing non-elementary proofs, which use infinite sums and a limiting process or contour integration, only finite sums are involved. The toroidal nature of the classical phase space leads to discrete position and momentum, and hence discrete time. The corresponding `path integrals' are finite sums whose normalisations are derived and which are shown to intertwine cyclicity and discreteness to giv…
A procedure allowing to construct rigorously discrete as well as continuum deterministic evolution equations from stochastic evolution equations is developed using a Dirac's bra and ket notation. This procedure is an extension of an approach previously used by the authors coined Discrete Stochastic Evolution Equations. Definitions and examples of discretes as well as continuum one-dimensional lattices are developed in detail in order to show the basic tools that allows to construct Schrödinger-like equations. Extension to d-dimensional lattices are studied in order to provide a wider expositio…
We consider a system with a discrete configuration space. We show that the geometrical structures associated with such a system provide the tools necessary for a reconstruction of discrete quantum mechanics once dynamics is brought into the picture. We do this in three steps. Our starting point is information geometry, the natural geometry of the space of probability distributions. Dynamics requires additional structure. To evolve the probabilities $P^k$, we introduce coordinates $S^k$ canonically conjugate to the $P^k$ and a symplectic structure. We then seek to extend the metric structure of…
One of the postulates of quantum mechanics is that the Hamiltonian is Hermitian, as this guarantees that the eigenvalues are real. Recently there has been an interest in asking if $H^\dagger = H$ is a necessary condition, and has lead to the development of PT-symmetric quantum mechanics. This note shows that any finite physically acceptable non-Hermitian Hamiltonian is equivalent to doing ordinary quantum mechanics in a non-orthogonal basis. In particular, this means that there is no experimental distinction between PT-symmetric quantum mechanics and ordinary quantum mechanics for finite syste…
Discrete breathers (DBs) -- a spatial time-periodic localization of energy -- are predicted in a large variety of non-linear systems. Motivated by the conceptual bridging of the DBs phenomena in classical and quantum mechanical representation, we study their signatures in the dynamics of a quantum equivalent of a classical mechanical point in a phase space -- a coherent state. We show that in contrast to a point in a phase space that can exhibit either delocalized or localized motion, a coherent state can show signatures of a quantum equivalent of both localized and delocalized behavior. In cl…
We study theoretically a radio frequency superconducting interference device integrated with both a nanomechanical resonator and an LC one. By applying adiabatic and rotating wave approximations, we obtain an effective Hamiltonian that governs the dynamics of the mechanical and LC resonators. Nonlinear terms in this Hamiltonian can be exploited for performing a quantum nondemolition measurement of Fock states of the nanomechanical resonator. We address the feasibility of experimental implementation and show that the nonlinear coupling can be made sufficiently strong to allow the detection of d…
We study classical Hamiltonian systems in which the intrinsic proper time evolution parameter is related through a probability distribution to the physical time, which is assumed to be discrete. In this way, a physical clock with discrete states is introduced, which presently is still treated as decoupled from the system. This is motivated by the recent discussion of ``timeless'' reparametrization invariant models, where discrete physical time has been constructed based on quasi-local observables. Employing the path-integral formulation of classical mechanics developed by Gozzi et al., we show…
We propose a quantization of linear, volume preserving, maps on the discrete and finite 3-torus T_N^3 represented by elements of the group SL(3,Z_N). These flows can be considered as special motions of the Nambu dynamics (linear Nambu flows) in the three dimensional toroidal phase space and are characterized by invariant vectors, a, of T_N^3. We quantize all such flows which are necessarily restricted on a planar two-dimensional phase space, embedded in the 3-torus, transverse to the vector a . The corresponding maps belong to the little group of the vector a in SL(3,Z_N) which is an SL(2,Z_N)…
We introduce an action principle for a class of integer valued cellular automata and obtain Hamiltonian equations of motion. Employing sampling theory, these discrete deterministic equations are invertibly mapped on continuum equations for a set of bandwidth limited harmonic oscillators, which encode the Schrödinger equation. Thus, the linearity of quantum mechanics is related to the action principle of such cellular automata and its conservation laws to discrete ones.
The phase point operator $Δ(q,p)$ is the quantum mechanical counterpart of the classical phase point $(q,p)$. The discrete form of $Δ(q,p)$ was formulated for an odd number of lattice points by Cohendet et al. and for an even number of lattice points by Leonhardt. Both versions have symplectic covariance, which is of fundamental importance in quantum mechanics. However, an explicit form of the projective representation of the symplectic group that appears in the covariance relation is not yet known. We show in this paper the existence and uniqueness of the representation, and describe a method…
