text of abstract (We present a utilitarian review of the family of matrix groups $Sp(2n,\Re)$, in a form suited to various applications both in optics and quantum mechanics. We contrast these groups and their geometry with the much more familiar Euclidean and unitary geometries. Both the properties of finite group elements and of the Lie algebra are studied, and special attention is paid to the so-called unitary metaplectic representation of $Sp(2n,\Re)$. Global decomposition theorems, interesting subgroups and their generators are described. Turning to $n$-mode quantum systems, we define and study their variance matrices in general states, the implications of the Heisenberg uncertainty principles, and develop a U(n)-invariant squeezing criterion. The particular properties of Wigner distributions and Gaussian pure state wavefunctions under $Sp(2n,\Re)$ action are delineated.)
We consider a general symplectic transformation (also known as linear canonical transformation) of quantum-mechanical observables in a quantized version of a finite-dimensional system with configuration space isomorphic to $ \mathbb{R}^{q} $. Using the formalism of rigged Hilbert spaces, we define eigenstates for all the observables. Then we work out the explicit form of the corresponding transformation of these eigenstates. A few examples are included at the end of the paper.
We study the use of methods based on the real symplectic groups $Sp(2n,\mathcal{R})$ in the analysis of the Arthurs-Kelly model of proposed simultaneous measurements of position and momentum in quantum mechanics. Consistent with the fact that such measurements are in fact not possible, we show that the observable consequences of the Arthurs-Kelly interaction term are contained in the symplectic transformation law connecting the system plus apparatus variance matrices at an initial and a final time. The individual variance matrices are made up of averages and spreads or uncertainties for single…
A review of the symplectic tomographic approaches within the framework of star-product quantization is presented. The classical statistical mechanics within the framework of the tomographic representation is considered. The kernels of star-product of functions - symbols of operators in classical and quantum mechanics are presented.
The symplectic wavelet transformation [Opt. Lett. 31 (2006) 3432], which is related to quantum optical Fresnel transform, is developed to the symplectic-dilation mixed wavelet transform (SDWT). The SDWT involves both a real-variable dilation-transform and a complex-variable symplectic transform, and possesses well-behaved properties such as Parseval theorem and inversion formula. The entangled-coherent state representation (ESCR) not only underlies the SDWT, but also helps to derive the corresponding quantum transform operator whose counterpart in classical optics is the lens-Fresnel mixed tra…
The composition of the quantum potential and its role in the breakdown of classical symplectic symmetry in quantum mechanics is investigated. General expressions are derived for the quantum potential in both configuration space and momentum space representations. By comparing the configuration space and momentum space representations of the causal interpretation of quantum mechanics, the quantum potential is shown to break the symplectic symmetry that exists between these two representations in classical mechanics. In addition, it is shown that the quantum potential in configuration space may …
This series of papers is devoted to an open-ended project aimed at the solution of Hilbert's sixth problem (concerning joint axiomatization of physics and probability theory) proposed to be constructed in the framework of an all-embracing mechanics. In this first paper, the bare skeleton of such a mechanics is constructed in the form of noncommutative Hamiltonian mechanics (NHM) which combines elements of noncommutative symplectic geometry and noncommutative probability in the framework of topological superalgebras; it includes, besides NHM basics, a treatment of Lie group actions in NHM and n…
In this paper we provide the representation of the symplectic group $Sp(2n, \mathbb{R})$ in polymer quantum mechanics. We derive the propagator of the polymer free particle and the polymer harmonic oscillator without considering a polymer scale. The polymer scale is then introduced to reconcile our results with those expressions for the polymer free particle. The propagator for the polymer harmonic oscillator implies non-unitary evolution.
We formulate necessary and sufficient conditions for a symplectic tomogram of a quantum state to determine the density state. We establish a connection between the (re)construction by means of symplectic tomograms with the construction by means of Naimark positive-definite functions on the Weyl-Heisenberg group. This connection is used to formulate properties which guarantee that tomographic probabilities describe quantum states in the probability representation of quantum mechanics.
In this paper, we show the relation between $sp(4,\mathbb{R})$, the Lie algebra of the symplectic group, and the elements of $Sp(4,\mathbb{R})$. We use this result to obtain some special cases of symplectic matrices relevant to the study of squeezed states. In this regard, we provide some applications in quantum mechanics and analyze the squeezed polymer states obtained from the polymer representation of the symplectic group. Remarkably, the polymer's dispersions are the same as those obtained for the squeezed states in the usual representation.
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…
The probability representation of quantum and classical statistical mechanics is discussed. Symplectic tomography, center-of-mass tomography, and spin tomography are studied. The connection of tomographic probabilities with dynamic symmetries like symplectic group is considered. Entropic uncertainty relations and inequalities for spin tomograms are reviewed.
We emphasize in these pedagogical notes the that the theory of the Radon transform and its applications is best understood using the theory of the metaplectic group and the quadratic Fourier transforms generating metaplectic operator.. Doing this we hope that these notes will be useful to a larger audience, including researchers in time-frequency analysis.
We quantise complex, infinite-dimensional projective space CP(H). We apply the result to quantise a complex, finite-dimensional, classical phase space C whose symplectic volume is infinite, by holomorphically embedding it into CP(H). The embedding is univocally determined by requiring it to be an isometry between the Bergman metric on C and the Fubini-Study metric on CP(H). Then the Hilbert-space bundle over C is the pullback, by the embedding, of the Hilbert-space bundle over CP(H).
Symplectic and optical joint probability representations of quantum mechanics are considered, in which the functions describing the states are the probability distributions with all random arguments (except the argument of time ). The general formalism of quantizers and dequantizers determining the star product quantization scheme in these representations is given. Taking the Gaussian functions as the distributions of the tomographic parameters the correspondence rules for most interesting physical operators are found and the expressions of the dual symbols of operators in the form of singular…
Phase space is the state space of classical mechanics, and this manifold is normally endowed only with a symplectic form. The geometry of quantum mechanics is necessarily more complicated. Arguments will be given to show that augmenting the symplectic manifold of classical phase space with a Riemannian metric is sufficient for describing quantum mechanics. In particular, using such spaces, a fully satisfactory geometric version of quantization will be developed and described.
We propose $Sp\,(8,\R)$ and its Langlands dual $SO(9,\R)$ as dynamical groups for closed quantum systems. Restricting here to the non-compact group $Sp\,(8,\R)$, the quantum theory is constructed and investigated. The functional Mellin transform plays a prominent role in defining the quantum theory. It provides a bridge between the quantum algebra of observables and the algebra of operators on Hilbert spaces furnishing unitary representations that are induced from a distinguished parabolic subgroup of $Sp\,(8,\C)$. As well, the parabolic subgroup renders a fiber bundle construction that models…
The necessary appearance of Clifford algebras in the quantum description of fermions has prompted us to re-examine the fundamental role played by the quaternion Clifford algebra, C(0,2). This algebra is essentially the geometric algebra describing the rotational properties of space. Hidden within this algebra are symplectic structures with Heisenberg algebras at their core. This algebra also enables us to define a Poisson algebra of all homogeneous quadratic polynomials on a two-dimensional sub-space, Fa of the Euclidean three-space. This enables us to construct a Poisson Clifford algebra, H(F…
Supmech, an algebraic scheme of mechanics integrating noncommutative symplectic geometry and noncommutative probability, subsumes quantum and classical mechanics and permits consistent treatment of interaction of quantum and classical systems. Quantum measurements are treated in this framework; the von Neumann reduction rule (generally postulated) is derived and interpreted in physical terms.
The Schrodinger equation can be derived using the minimum Fisher information principle. I discuss why such an approach should work, and also show that the Kahler and Hilbert space structures of quantum mechanics result from combining the symplectic structure of the hydrodynamical model with the Fisher information metric.
We invite the reader (presumably an upper level undergraduate student) to a journey leading from the continent of Classical Mechanics to the new territories of Quantum Mechanics. We'll be riding the symplectic camel and have William of Occam as travel companion, so no excess baggage is allowed. The first part of our trip takes us from the symplectic egg to Gromov's non-squeezing theorem and its dynamical interpretation. The second part leads us to a symplectic formulation of the quantum uncertainty principle, which opens the way to new discoveries.
In the usual approaches to mechanics (classical or quantum) the primary object of interest is the Hamiltonian, from which one tries to deduce the solutions of the equations of motion (Hamilton or Schrödinger). In the present work we reverse this paradigm and view the motions themselves as being the primary objects. This is made possible by studying arbitrary phase space motions, not of points, but of (small) ellipsoids with the requirement that the symplectic capacity of these ellipsoids is preserved. This allows us to guide and control these motions as we like. In the classical case these ell…
We first recall a fact which is well-known among mathematical physicists although lesser-known among theoretical physicists that the standard quantum mechanics over a complex Hilbert space, is a Hamiltonian mechanics, regarding the Hilbert space as a linear real manifold equipped with its canonical symplectic form and restricting only to the expectation-value functions of Hermitian operators. Then in this framework, we reformulate the structure of quantum mechanics in the language of symplectic manifolds and avoid linear structure of Hilbert space in such a way that the results can be stated f…
We prove that Wigner functions contain a symplectic connection. The latter covariantises the symplectic exterior derivative on phase space. We analyse the role played by this connection and introduce the notion of local symplectic covariance of quantum-mechanical states. This latter symmetry is at work in the Schroedinger equation on phase space.
A formalism is presented in which quantum particle dynamics can be developed on its own rather than `quantization' of an underlying classical theory. It is proposed that the unification of probability and dynamics should be considered as the basic feature of quantum theory. Arguments are given to show that when such a unification is attempted at the configuration space level, the wave funtions of Schr$\ddot{o}$dinger theory appear as the natural candidates for the desired unification. A *-algebra $\mathcal{A}_{Q}$ of (not necessarily bounded) linear operators acting on an appropriate dense set…
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…
The dynamical equation of quantum mechanics are rewritten in form of dynamical equations for the measurable, positive marginal distribution of the shifted, rotated and squeezed quadrature introduced in the so called "symplectic tomography". Then the possibility of a purely classical description of a quantum system as well as a reinterpretation of the quantum measurement theory is discussed and a comparision with the well known quasi-probabilities approach is given. Furthermore, an analysis of the properties of this marginal distribution, which contains all the quantum information, is performed…
By using a generalization of the optical tomography technique we describe the dynamics of a quantum system in terms of equations for a purely classical probability distribution which contains complete information about the system.
Operating in the framework of `supmech' (a scheme of mechanics which aims at providing a concrete setting for the axiomatization of physics and probability theory as required in Hilbert's sixth problem; integrating noncommutative symplectic geometry and noncommutative probability in an algebraic setting, it associates, with every `experimentally accessible' system, a symplectic algebra and operates essentially as noncommutative Hamiltonian mechanics with some extra sophistication in the treatment of states) it is shown that interaction between systems can be consistently described only if eith…
We replace the usual notion of quantum cell from statistical mechanics by that of "quantum blob". A quantum blob is the transform, by a linaer symplectic transformation, of a phase space ball with radius equal to the square root of h-bar. The intersection of a quantum blob with any symplectic plane is an ellipse with area one half of h. This very special property, which is closed related to the principle of the symplectic camel, leads to a symplectic invariant statement of the uncertainty principle. We moreover prove that the average of a phase space Gaussian over a quantum blob is the Wigner …
Quantum mechanics is among the most important and successful mathematical model for describing our physical reality. The traditional formulation of quantum mechanics is linear and algebraic. In contrast classical mechanics is a geometrical and non-linear theory that is defined on a symplectic manifold. However, after invention of general relativity, we are convinced that geometry is physical and effect us in all scale. Hence the geometric formulation of quantum mechanics sought to give a unified picture of physical systems based on its underling geometrical structures, e.g., now, the states ar…
Quantum tomography for continuous variables is based on the symplectic transformation group acting in the phase space. A particular case of symplectic tomography is optical tomography related to the action of a special orthogonal group. In the tomographic description of spin states, the connection between special unitary and special orthogonal groups is used. We analyze the representation for spin tomography using the Cayley-Klein parameters and discuss an analog of symplectic tomography for discrete variables. We propose a representation for tomograms of discrete variables through quaternions…
A closed (in terms of classical data) expression for a transition amplitude between two generalized coherent states associated with a semisimple Lee algebra underlying the system is derived for large values of the representation highest weight, which corresponds to the quasiclssical approximation. Consideration is based upon a path-integral formalism adjusted to quantization of symplectic coherent-state manifolds that appear as one-rank coadjoint orbits.
A review of the photon-number tomography and symplectic tomography as examples of star-product quantization is presented. The classical statistical mechanics is considered within the framework of the tomographic representation.
As the first step in an approach to the solution of Hilbert's sixth problem, a general scheme of mechanics, called `supmech', is developed integrating noncommutative symplectic geometry and noncommutative probability theory in an algebraic framework; it has quantum mechanics (QM) and classical mechanics as special subdisciplines and facilitates an autonomous development of QM and satisfactory treatments of quantum-classical correspondence and quantum measurements (including a straightforward \emph{derivation} of the von Neumann reduction rule). The scheme associates, with every `experimentally…
States of a quantum mechanical system are represented by rays in a complex Hilbert space. The space of rays has, naturally, the structure of a Kähler manifold. This leads to a geometrical formulation of the postulates of quantum mechanics which, although equivalent to the standard algebraic formulation, has a very different appearance. In particular, states are now represented by points of a symplectic manifold (which happens to have, in addition, a compatible Riemannian metric), observables are represented by certain real-valued functions on this space and the Schrödinger evolution is capture…
The existing relation between the tomographic description of quantum states and the convolution algebra of certain discrete groupoids represented on Hilbert spaces will be discussed. The realizations of groupoid algebras based on qudit, photon-number (Fock) states and symplectic tomography quantizers and dequantizers will be constructed. Conditions for identifying the convolution product of groupoid functions and the star--product arising from a quantization--dequantization scheme will be given. A tomographic approach to construct quasi--distributions out of suitable immersions of groupoids in…
We discuss a quantum counterpart, in the sense of the Berezin-Toeplitz quantization, of certain constraints on Poisson brackets coming from "hard" symplectic geometry. It turns out that they can be interpreted in terms of the quantum noise of observables and their joint measurements in operational quantum mechanics. Our findings include various geometric mechanisms of quantum noise production and a noise-localization uncertainty relation. The methods involve Floer theory and Poisson bracket invariants originated in function theory on symplectic manifolds.
We revise the construction of creation/annihilation operators in quantum mechanics based on the representation theory of the Heisenberg and symplectic groups. Besides the standard harmonic oscillator (the elliptic case) we similarly treat the repulsive oscillator (hyperbolic case) and the free particle (the parabolic case). The respective hypercomplex numbers turn to be handy on this occasion, this provides a further illustration to Similarity and Correspondence Principle. Keywords: Heisenberg group, Kirillov's method of orbits, geometric quantisation, quantum mechanics, classical mechanics, P…
A positive definite symmetric matrix σ qualifies as a quantum mechanical covariance matrix if and only if σ+(1/2)i\hbarΩ\geq0 where Ω is the standard symplectic matrix. This well-known condition is a strong version of the uncertainty principle, which can be reinterpreted in terms of the topological notion of symplectic capacity, closely related to Gromov's non-squeezing theorem. We show that a recent refinement of the latter leads to a new class of geometric invariants. These are the volumes of the orthogonal projections of the covariance ellipsoid on symplectic subspaces of the phase space. W…
We extend the notion of quantum blob studied in previous work to excited states of the generalized harmonic oscillator in n dimensions. This extension is made possible by Fermi's observation in 1930 that the state of a quantum system may be defined in two different (but equivalent) ways, namely by its wavefunction Ψ or by a certain function g_{F} on phase space canonically associated with Ψ. We study Fermi's function when Ψ is a Gaussian (generalized coherent state). A striking result is that we can use the Ekeland--Hofer symplectic capacities to characterize the Fermi functions of the excited…
The theory of geometric quantum mechanics describes a quantum system as a Hamiltonian dynamical system with a complex projective Hilbert space as its phase space, thus equipped with a Riemannian metric in addition to a symplectic structure. This paper extends the geometric quantum theory to include aspects of the symplectic topology of the state space by identifying the Robertson-Schrödinger uncertainty relation for pure quantum states as the differential version of the energy identity in the theory of $J$-holomorphic curves. We consider a family of maps from a Riemann surface into a finite-di…
The mathematical formalism of Quantum Mechanics is derived or "reconstructed" from more basic considerations of probability theory and information geometry. The starting point is the recognition that probabilities are central to QM: the formalism of QM is derived as a particular kind of flow on a finite dimensional statistical manifold -- a simplex. The cotangent bundle associated to the simplex has a natural symplectic structure and it inherits its own natural metric structure from the information geometry of the underlying simplex. We seek flows that preserve (in the sense of vanishing Lie d…
