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arXiv:2204.05854

Generalization of Gamow states to multi-particle decay

Jonathan Schonfeld

Published Apr 12, 2022• 0 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

For single-particle nonrelativistic quantum mechanics, a Gamow state is an eigenfunction of the Hamiltonian with complex eigenvalue. Gamow states are not normalizable; they depend on time via the usual multiplier exp(-iEt) supplemented by a cutoff at an expanding wavefront. Gamow states have been used to extend nuclear shell models; they are to metastable states as normalizable eigenfunctions are to bound states. In this paper we generalize Gamow states to decays with multiple outgoing particles. We derive the exact form of the expanding wavefront, even for relativistic outgoing particles. In the non-relativistic limit we derive the exact form of the multi-particle Gamow state contribution to the system propagator (Green's function).

DOI
10.48550/arxiv.2204.05854

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For single-particle nonrelativistic quantum mechanics, a Gamow state is an eigenfunction of the Hamiltonian with complex eigenvalue. Gamow states are not normalizable; they depend on time via the usual multiplier exp(-iEt) supplemented by a cutoff at an expanding wavefront. Gamow states have been used to extend nuclear shell models; they are to metastable states as normalizable eigenfunctions are to bound states. In this paper we generalize Gamow states to decays with multiple outgoing particles. We derive the exact form of the expanding wavefront, even for relativistic outgoing particles. In the non-relativistic limit we derive the exact form of the multi-particle Gamow state contribution to the system propagator (Green's function).
Gamow's explanation of the exponential decay law uses complex "eigenvalues" and exponentially growing "eigenfunctions". This raises the question, how Gamow's description fits into the quantum mechanical description of nature, which is based on real eigenvalues and square integrable wave functions. Observing that the time evolution of any wave function is given by its expansion in generalized eigenfunctions, we shall answer this question in the most straightforward manner, which at the same time is accessible to graduate students and specialists. Moreover the presentation can well be used in physics lectures to students.
Gamow vectors in non-relativistic quantum mechanics are generalized eigenvectors (kets) of self-adjoint Hamiltonians with complex eigenvalues. Like the Dirac kets, they are mathematically well defined in the Rigged Hilbert Space. Gamow kets are derived from the resonance poles of the S-matrix. They have a Breit-Wigner energy distribution, an exponential decay law, and are members of a basis vector expansion whose truncation gives the finite dimensional effective theories with a complex Hamiltonian matrix. They also have an asymmetric time evolution described by a semigroup generated by the Hamiltonian, which expresses a fundamental quantum mechanical arrow of time. These Gamow kets are generalized to relativistic Gamow vectors by extrapolating from the Galilei group to the Poincare group. This leads to semigroup representations of the Poincare group which are characterized by spin j and complex invariant mass square. In these non-unitary representations the Lorentz subgroup is unitarily represented and the four-momenta are "minimally complex" in the sense that the four-velocity is real. The relativistic Gamow vectors have all the properties listed above for the non-relativistic Gamow vectors and are therefore ideally suited to describe relativistic resonances and quasistable particles.
We report on a novel, practical method of determining the nonrelativistic wave function of a decaying quantum system at all positions and times. The system consists of a particle which is initially confined around the origin and leaks out tunneling through a potential barrier. We show that the wave function $\ensuremath{\psi}(r,t)$ of the particle can be expressed as a linear combination of Moshinsky functions, each of which is associated with a pole of the scattering S\mathbf{S}S matrix of the system. The $\ensuremath{\psi}(r,t)$ so obtained is normalizable. In the light of this approach we reexamine the Gamow wave function, which is not normalizable. We elucidate the source of this difficulty.
Gamow vectors are generalized eigenvectors of the Hamiltonian with complex eigenvalues that describe exponentially decaying (or growing) states. The energy wavefunctions corresponding to Gamow vectors have a pole immediately below (or above) the real axis in the complex energy plane. Although complex energy values were introduced more than half a century ago for the theory of alpha decay, they have become disreputable and have been banished from quantum mechanics textbooks because of mathematical problems and incorrect physical interpretation. Developments in modern mathematics have now provided a mathematical foundation that has led to the correct physical interpretation. In this article, energy eigenvectors with complex eigenvalues are first introduced by explicitly considering a specific simple decaying system. Then, an elementary account of the properties of Gamow vectors is given. The results from the decaying system provide a motivation for the introduction of Gamow vectors and some of the background information needed to understand their properties.
A state vector description for relativistic resonances is derived from the first order pole of the jjj-th partial SSS-matrix at the invariant square mass value $\sm_R=(m-iΓ/2)^2$ in the second sheet of the Riemann energy surface. To associate a ket, called Gamow vector, to the pole, we use the generalized eigenvectors of the four-velocity operators in place of the customary momentum eigenkets of Wigner, and we replace the conventional Hilbert space assumptions for the in- and out-scattering states with the new hypothesis that in- and out-states are described by two different Hardy spaces with complementary analyticity properties. The Gamow vectors have the following properties: - They are simultaneous generalized eigenvectors of the four velocity operators with real eigenvalues and of the self-adjoint invariant mass operator M=(PμPμ)1/2M=(P_μP^μ)^{1/2}M=(Pμ​Pμ)1/2 with complex eigenvalue $\sqrt{\sm_R}$. - They have a Breit-Wigner distribution in the invariant square mass variable $\sm$ and lead to an exactly exponential law for the decay rates and probabilities.
In this talk we discuss how to combine aspects of the theory of stable relativistic particles and of the theory of non-relativistic decaying particles into a relativistic theory of unstable particles and resonances. For the theory of stable relativistic particles we use Wigner’s description by unitary irreducible representations (UIR) of the Poincaré group [ 1 ] which has been the foundation for relativistic quantum mechanics and field theory [ 2 ]. For the non-relativistic decaying particles we use a time asymmetric quantum mechanics in which the Hilbert space axiom, that allows only symmetric (unitary group) time evolution, is replaced by time asymmetric boundary conditions which lead to an irreversible , semigroup time evolution [ 3 ]. In the limit in which certain contributions to the energy continuum are neglected, this new quantum mechanics leads to the Weisskopf-Wigner approximate methods [ 4 ] for decay, and to the Breit-Wigner energy distribution [ 5 ] for the resonance lineshape. We thus generalize and combine two fundamental contributions of Wigner into a description of relativistic resonances and decaying states. The central concept of this description is the relativistic Gamow vector, which is a generalized eigenvector (ket) of the self-adjoint invariant square mass operator https://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"> M 2 = P μ P μ P μ = P 1 μ + P 2 μ in resonance scattering 1±2→ R →3±4) with a complex eigenvalue, a relativistic Breit-Wigner energy distribution, and an exponential time evolution governed by a semigroup of continuous operators in the space of kets.