On non-self-adjoint operators for observables in Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Electrodynamics
Erasmo Recami, V. S. Olkhovsky, Sergei P. Maydanyuk
Aim of this paper is to show the possible significance, and usefulness, of various non-self-adjoint operators for suitable Observables in non-relativistic and relativistic quantum mechanics, and in quantum electrodynamics.
More specifically, this work starts dealing with: (i) the maximal hermitian (but not selfadjoint) Time operator in non-relativistic quantum mechanics and in quantum electrodynamics; and with: (ii) the problem of the four-position and four-momentum operators, each one with its hermitian and anti-hermitian parts, for relativistic spin-zero particles. Afterwards, other physically important applications of non-selfadjoint (and even non-hermitian) operators are discussed: in particular, (iii) we reanalyze in detail the interesting possibility of associating quasi-hermitian Hamiltonians with (decaying) unstable states in nuclear physics. Finally, we briefly mention the cases of quantum dissipation, as well as of the nuclear optical potential.
International Journal of Modern Physics A•Jan 1, 2010•0 citations