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arXiv:2105.00948 · APL Photonics

Path integrals: From quantum mechanics to photonics

Charles W. Robson, Yaraslau Tamashevich, Tapio T. Rantala, Marco Ornigotti

Published Jul 1, 2021• 8 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

The path integral formulation of quantum mechanics, i.e., the idea that the evolution of a quantum system is determined as a sum over all the possible trajectories that would take the system from the initial to its final state of its dynamical evolution, is perhaps the most elegant and universal framework developed in theoretical physics, second only to the standard model of particle physics. In this Tutorial, we retrace the steps that led to the creation of such a remarkable framework, discuss its foundations, and present some of the classical examples of problems that can be solved using the path integral formalism, as a way to introduce the readers to the topic and help them get familiar with the formalism. Then, we focus our attention on the use of path integrals in optics and photonics and discuss in detail how they have been used in the past to approach several problems, ranging from the propagation of light in inhomogeneous media to parametric amplification and quantum nonlinear optics in arbitrary media. To complement this, we also briefly present the path integral Monte Carlo method, as a valuable computational resource for condensed matter physics, and discuss its potential applications and advantages if used in photonics.

DOI
10.1063/5.0055815

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The path integral formulation of quantum mechanics, i.e., the idea that the evolution of a quantum system is determined as a sum over all the possible trajectories that would take the system from the initial to its final state of its dynamical evolution, is perhaps the most elegant and universal framework developed in theoretical physics, second only to the standard model of particle physics. In this Tutorial, we retrace the steps that led to the creation of such a remarkable framework, discuss its foundations, and present some of the classical examples of problems that can be solved using the path integral formalism, as a way to introduce the readers to the topic and help them get familiar with the formalism. Then, we focus our attention on the use of path integrals in optics and photonics and discuss in detail how they have been used in the past to approach several problems, ranging from the propagation of light in inhomogeneous media to parametric amplification and quantum nonlinear optics in arbitrary media. To complement this, we also briefly present the path integral Monte Carlo method, as a valuable computational resource for condensed matter physics, and discuss its potential applications and advantages if used in photonics.
These lectures are intended as an introduction to the technique of path integrals and their applications in physics. The audience is mainly first-year graduate students, and it is assumed that the reader has a good foundation in quantum mechanics. No prior exposure to path integrals is assumed, however. The path integral is a formulation of quantum mechanics equivalent to the standard formulations, offering a new way of looking at the subject which is, arguably, more intuitive than the usual approaches. Applications of path integrals are as vast as those of quantum mechanics itself, including the quantum mechanics of a single particle, statistical mechanics, condensed matter physics and quantum field theory. After an introduction including a very brief historical overview of the subject, we derive a path integral expression for the propagator in quantum mechanics, including the free particle and harmonic oscillator as examples. We then discuss a variety of applications, including path integrals in multiply-connected spaces, Euclidean path integrals and statistical mechanics, perturbation theory in quantum mechanics and in quantum field theory, and instantons via path integrals. For the most part, the emphasis is on explicit calculations in the familiar setting of quantum mechanics, with some discussion (often brief and schematic) of how these ideas can be applied to more complicated situations such as field theory.
Introduction Preliminary remarks The path integral formalism is one of the most important tools in modern theoretical physics. Integration in functional spaces was considered for the first time by Norbert Wiener in his studies of diffusion processes [60, 61]. The corresponding integration measure is now known as the Wiener measure, i.e. the so-called Gaussian path integrals were studied. In quantum mechanics, functional integrals were introduced by R. Feynmann [62, 63] who was inspired by important observations due to P. A. M. Dirac concerning a relation between wave function and classical action [64, 65]. In modern physics the path integral formalism is applied not only to developing a quantum description for systems with infinitely many degrees of freedom as, for example, in quantum field theories or condensed matter physics, but also to ordinary quantum mechanical problems. Moreover there is a tendency to reformulate standard quantum mechanical problems (such as a particle in a “box” or potential well [66, 67], or a particle in the Coulomb field [68]) within the framework of the path integral method. The reason for doing this is rather obvious: physicists develop a new mathematical tool, a new language and, in order to comprehend all of its subtleties, it is necessary to investigate as many concrete examples as possible. Use of the path integral formalism is widespread in quantum field theory because it is the most adequate mathematical tool for a wide range of problems which allows, not only for elegant formulation of problems, but also for a great deal of simplification of their theoretical analysis.
These lectures are intended for graduate students who want to acquire a working knowledge of path integral methods in a wide variety of fields in physics. In general the presentation is elementary and path integrals are developed in the usual heuristic, non-mathematical way for application in many diverse problems in quantum physics. Three main parts deal with path integrals in non-relativistic quantum mechanics, many-body physics and field theory and contain standard examples (quadratic Lagrangians, tunneling, description of bosons and fermions, quantization of gauge theories etc.) as well as specialized topics (scattering, dissipative systems, spin \& color in the path integral, lattice methods etc.). In each part simple Fortran programs which can be run on a PC, illustrate the numerical evaluation of (Euclidean) path integrals by Monte-Carlo or variational methods. Also included are the set of problems which accompanied the lectures and their solutions.
Playing a prominent role in communications, quantum science and laser physics, quantum nonlinear optics is an increasingly important field. This book presents a self-contained treatment of field quantization and covers topics such as the canonical formalism for fields, phase-space representations and the encompassing problem of quantization of electrodynamics in linear and nonlinear media. Starting with a summary of classical nonlinear optics, it then explains in detail the calculation techniques for quantum nonlinear optical systems and their applications, quantum and classical noise sources in optical fibers and applications of nonlinear optics to quantum information science. Supplemented by end-of-chapter exercises and detailed examples of calculation techniques in different systems, this book is a valuable resource for graduate students and researchers in nonlinear optics, condensed matter physics, quantum information and atomic physics. A solid foundation in quantum mechanics and classical electrodynamics is assumed, but no prior knowledge of nonlinear optics is required.
Quantum Many-Body Physics: A Path Integral Approach offers a fresh perspective on quantum phenomena in condensed matter physics. This comprehensive book provides a powerful and versatile framework for understanding complex problems in systems such as ultracold atoms, superfluids, and superconductors. The text begins with a solid foundation in canonical quantum field theory before progressing to advanced topics, ensuring readers develop both deep conceptual understanding and practical skills. Features include: Concise yet thorough coverage of path integral methods Practical applications to real-world quantum systems Problem-solving techniques that bridge theory and experiment Designed for graduate students in physics and related disciplines, this book serves as an essential resource for those aiming to advance their studies in quantum mechanics. Researchers in condensed matter physics, quantum optics, and quantum information will also find valuable insights to support their work on the next breakthroughs in the field.