Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

arXiv:1112.6300 · Journal of Physics A Mathematical and Theoretical

On the geometry of quantum indistinguishability

A F Reyes-Lega

Published Jul 21, 2011• 0 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

An algebraic approach to the study of quantum mechanics on configuration spaces with a finite fundamental group is presented. It uses, in an essential way, the Gelfand–Naimark and Serre–Swan equivalences and thus allows one to represent geometric properties of such systems in algebraic terms. As an application, the problem of quantum indistinguishability is reformulated in the light of the proposed approach. Previous attempts aiming at a proof of the spin-statistics theorem in non-relativistic quantum mechanics are explicitly recast in the global language inherent to the presented techniques. This leads to a critical discussion of single-valuedness of wavefunctions for systems of indistinguishable particles. Potential applications of the methods presented in this paper to problems related to quantization, geometric phases and phase transitions in spin systems are proposed.

DOI
10.1088/1751-8113/44/32/325308

Related papers

On the geometry of quantum indistinguishability

Andrés Fernando Reyes-Lega

An algebraic approach to the study of quantum mechanics on configuration spaces with a finite fundamental group is presented. It uses, in an essential way, the Gelfand–Naimark and Serre–Swan equivalences and thus allows one to represent geometric properties of such systems in algebraic terms. As an application, the problem of quantum indistinguishability is reformulated in the light of the proposed approach. Previous attempts aiming at a proof of the spin-statistics theorem in non-relativistic quantum mechanics are explicitly recast in the global language inherent to the presented techniques. This leads to a critical discussion of single-valuedness of wavefunctions for systems of indistinguishable particles. Potential applications of the methods presented in this paper to problems related to quantization, geometric phases and phase transitions in spin systems are proposed.

•Aug 17, 2016•0 citations

The spin-statistics relation in nonrelativistic quantum mechanics and projective modules

N.A. Papadopoulos, Mario Paschke, Andrés Reyes +1 more

In this work we consider non-relativistic quantum mechanics, obtained from a classical configuration space 𝒬 of indistinguishable particles. Following an approach proposed in [8], wave functions are regarded as elements of suitable projective modules over C ( 𝒬 ) . We take furthermore into account the G -Theory point of view (cf. [HPRS,S]) where the role of group action is particularly emphasized. As an example illustrating the method, the case of two particles is worked out in detail. Previous works (cf. [BR1,BR2]) aiming at a proof of a spin-statistics theorem for non-relativistic quantum mechanics are re-considered from the point of view of our approach, enabling us to clarify several points.

arXiv:quant-ph/0608125•Annales mathématiques Blaise Pascal•Jan 1, 2004•5 citations

Indistinguishability for quantum particles: spin, statistics and the geometric phase

Michael Berry, Jonathan M. Robbins

The quantum mechanics of two identical particles with spin S in three dimensions is reformulated by employing not the usual fixed spin basis but a transported spin basis that exchanges the spins along with the positions. Such a basis, required to be smooth and parallel-transported, can be generated by an ‘exchange rotation’ operator resembling angular momentum. This is constructed from the four harmonic oscillators from which the two spins are made according to Schwinger's scheme. It emerges automatically that the phase factor accompanying spin exchange with the transported basis is just the Pauli sign, that is (−1)2S. Singlevaluedness of the total wavefunction, involving the transported basis, then implies the correct relation between spin and statistics. The Pauli sign is a geometric phase factor of topological origin, associated with non-contractible circuits in the doubly connected (and non-orientable) configuration space of relative positions with identified antipodes. The theory extends to more than two particles.

Proceedings of the Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences•Aug 8, 1997•119 citations

Canonical group quantization, rotation generators, and quantum indistinguishability

Carlos Benavides, Andrés Fernando Reyes-Lega

Using the method of canonical group quantization, we construct the angular momentum operators associated to configuration spaces with the topology of (i) a sphere and (ii) a projective plane. In the first case, the angular momentum operators derived this way are the quantum version of Poincaré's vector, i.e., the physically correct angular momentum operators for an electron coupled to the field of a magnetic monopole. In the second case, the operators one obtains represent the angular momentum operators of a system of two indistinguishable spin zero quantum particles in three spatial dimensions. The relevance of the proposed formalism for the progress in our understanding of the spin–statistics connection in nonrelativistic quantum mechanics is discussed. Introduction The connection between the spin of quantum particles and the statistics they obey is a remarkable example of a simply stated physical fact without the recognition of which many physical phenomena (ranging from the stability of matter and the electronic configuration of atoms to Bose–Einstein condensation and superconductivity) would not have an explanation. Nevertheless, the simplicity of the assertion “integer spin particles obey Bose statistics, and half-integer spin particles obey Fermi statistics” stands in bold contrast to its intricate physical origin. Indeed, Pauli's proof of the spin–statistics theorem [Pau40] (improving on earlier work by Fierz [Fie39]), showed that the spin–statistics connection was deeply rooted in relativistic quantum field theory. The path to a rigorous proof of this theorem (from the mathematical point of view) was a long one and involved the efforts of many people (see, e.g., the book by Duck and Sudarshan [DS98b]).

arXiv:0806.2449•Cambridge University Press eBooks•Apr 29, 2010•2 citations

SPIN-STATISTICS THEOREM AND GEOMETRIC QUANTIZATION

Charis Anastopoulos

We study the relation of the spin-statistics theorem to the geometric structures on phase space, which are introduced in quantization procedures (namely a U(1) bundle and connection). The relation can be proved in both the relativistic and the nonrelativistic domain (in fact for any symmetry group including internal symmetries) by requiring that the exchange can be implemented smoothly by a class of symmetry transformations that project in the phase space of the joint system system. We discuss the interpretation of this requirement, stressing the fact that any distinction of identical particles comes solely from the choice of coordinates — the exchange then arises from suitable change of coordinate system. We then examine our construction in the geometric and the coherent-state-path-integral quantization schemes. In the appendix we apply our results to exotic systems exhibiting continuous "spin" and "fractional statistics." This gives novel and unusual forms of the spin-statistics relation.

arXiv:quant-ph/0110169•International Journal of Modern Physics A•Feb 20, 2004•5 citations

Geometric and Algebraic Topological Methods in Quantum Mechanics

GIOVANNI GIACHETTA, Luigi Mangiarotti, Gennadi Aleksandrovich Sardanashvily

In the last decade, the development of new ideas in quantum theory, including geometric and deformation quantization, the non-Abelian Berry factor, super- and BRST symmetries, non-commutativity, has called into play the geometric techniques based on the deep interplay between algebra, differential geometry and topology. The present book aims at being a guide to advanced differential geometric and topological methods in quantum mechanics. Their main peculiarity lies in the fact that geometry in quantum theory speaks mainly the algebraic language of rings, modules, sheaves and categories. Geometry is by no means the primary scope of the book, but it underlies many ideas in modern quantum physics and provides the most advanced schemes of quantization.

arXiv:math-ph/0410040•Oct 16, 2004•0 citations
An algebraic approach to the study of quantum mechanics on configuration spaces with a finite fundamental group is presented. It uses, in an essential way, the Gelfand–Naimark and Serre–Swan equivalences and thus allows one to represent geometric properties of such systems in algebraic terms. As an application, the problem of quantum indistinguishability is reformulated in the light of the proposed approach. Previous attempts aiming at a proof of the spin-statistics theorem in non-relativistic quantum mechanics are explicitly recast in the global language inherent to the presented techniques. This leads to a critical discussion of single-valuedness of wavefunctions for systems of indistinguishable particles. Potential applications of the methods presented in this paper to problems related to quantization, geometric phases and phase transitions in spin systems are proposed.
An algebraic approach to the study of quantum mechanics on configuration spaces with a finite fundamental group is presented. It uses, in an essential way, the Gelfand–Naimark and Serre–Swan equivalences and thus allows one to represent geometric properties of such systems in algebraic terms. As an application, the problem of quantum indistinguishability is reformulated in the light of the proposed approach. Previous attempts aiming at a proof of the spin-statistics theorem in non-relativistic quantum mechanics are explicitly recast in the global language inherent to the presented techniques. This leads to a critical discussion of single-valuedness of wavefunctions for systems of indistinguishable particles. Potential applications of the methods presented in this paper to problems related to quantization, geometric phases and phase transitions in spin systems are proposed.
In this work we consider non-relativistic quantum mechanics, obtained from a classical configuration space 𝒬 of indistinguishable particles. Following an approach proposed in [8], wave functions are regarded as elements of suitable projective modules over C ( 𝒬 ) . We take furthermore into account the G -Theory point of view (cf. [HPRS,S]) where the role of group action is particularly emphasized. As an example illustrating the method, the case of two particles is worked out in detail. Previous works (cf. [BR1,BR2]) aiming at a proof of a spin-statistics theorem for non-relativistic quantum mechanics are re-considered from the point of view of our approach, enabling us to clarify several points.
The quantum mechanics of two identical particles with spin S in three dimensions is reformulated by employing not the usual fixed spin basis but a transported spin basis that exchanges the spins along with the positions. Such a basis, required to be smooth and parallel-transported, can be generated by an ‘exchange rotation’ operator resembling angular momentum. This is constructed from the four harmonic oscillators from which the two spins are made according to Schwinger's scheme. It emerges automatically that the phase factor accompanying spin exchange with the transported basis is just the Pauli sign, that is (−1)2S. Singlevaluedness of the total wavefunction, involving the transported basis, then implies the correct relation between spin and statistics. The Pauli sign is a geometric phase factor of topological origin, associated with non-contractible circuits in the doubly connected (and non-orientable) configuration space of relative positions with identified antipodes. The theory extends to more than two particles.
Using the method of canonical group quantization, we construct the angular momentum operators associated to configuration spaces with the topology of (i) a sphere and (ii) a projective plane. In the first case, the angular momentum operators derived this way are the quantum version of Poincaré's vector, i.e., the physically correct angular momentum operators for an electron coupled to the field of a magnetic monopole. In the second case, the operators one obtains represent the angular momentum operators of a system of two indistinguishable spin zero quantum particles in three spatial dimensions. The relevance of the proposed formalism for the progress in our understanding of the spin–statistics connection in nonrelativistic quantum mechanics is discussed. Introduction The connection between the spin of quantum particles and the statistics they obey is a remarkable example of a simply stated physical fact without the recognition of which many physical phenomena (ranging from the stability of matter and the electronic configuration of atoms to Bose–Einstein condensation and superconductivity) would not have an explanation. Nevertheless, the simplicity of the assertion “integer spin particles obey Bose statistics, and half-integer spin particles obey Fermi statistics” stands in bold contrast to its intricate physical origin. Indeed, Pauli's proof of the spin–statistics theorem [Pau40] (improving on earlier work by Fierz [Fie39]), showed that the spin–statistics connection was deeply rooted in relativistic quantum field theory. The path to a rigorous proof of this theorem (from the mathematical point of view) was a long one and involved the efforts of many people (see, e.g., the book by Duck and Sudarshan [DS98b]).
We study the relation of the spin-statistics theorem to the geometric structures on phase space, which are introduced in quantization procedures (namely a U(1) bundle and connection). The relation can be proved in both the relativistic and the nonrelativistic domain (in fact for any symmetry group including internal symmetries) by requiring that the exchange can be implemented smoothly by a class of symmetry transformations that project in the phase space of the joint system system. We discuss the interpretation of this requirement, stressing the fact that any distinction of identical particles comes solely from the choice of coordinates — the exchange then arises from suitable change of coordinate system. We then examine our construction in the geometric and the coherent-state-path-integral quantization schemes. In the appendix we apply our results to exotic systems exhibiting continuous "spin" and "fractional statistics." This gives novel and unusual forms of the spin-statistics relation.
In the last decade, the development of new ideas in quantum theory, including geometric and deformation quantization, the non-Abelian Berry factor, super- and BRST symmetries, non-commutativity, has called into play the geometric techniques based on the deep interplay between algebra, differential geometry and topology. The present book aims at being a guide to advanced differential geometric and topological methods in quantum mechanics. Their main peculiarity lies in the fact that geometry in quantum theory speaks mainly the algebraic language of rings, modules, sheaves and categories. Geometry is by no means the primary scope of the book, but it underlies many ideas in modern quantum physics and provides the most advanced schemes of quantization.