We analyze the recently proposed classical/quantum mechanical interpretation of Zernike system and establish its equivalence to the Higgs oscillator on sphere or pseudosphere (Lobachevsky plane). We show that the non-reality of the classical Zernike Hamiltonian is an insignificant artifact of imaginary gauge and can be eliminated with a canonical transformation. The quantum counterpart of this canonical transformation is a similarity transformation mapping the system to the quantum Higgs oscillator with integration measure depending on [Formula: see text] parameters. When [Formula: see text], it results in the Hermitian Hamiltonian describing a free particle on (pseudo)sphere, while deviation from this point leads to a pseudo-Hermitian system.
We analyze the recently proposed classical/quantum mechanical interpretation of Zernike system and establish its equivalence to the Higgs oscillator on sphere or pseudosphere (Lobachevsky plane). We show that the non-reality of the classical Zernike Hamiltonian is an insignificant artifact of imaginary gauge and can be eliminated with a canonical transformation. The quantum counterpart of this canonical transformation is a similarity transformation mapping the system to the quantum Higgs oscillator with integration measure depending on [Formula: see text] parameters. When [Formula: see text], it results in the Hermitian Hamiltonian describing a free particle on (pseudo)sphere, while deviation from this point leads to a pseudo-Hermitian system.
In the context of two particularly interesting non-Hermitian models in quantum mechanics we explore the relationship between the original Hamiltonian H and its Hermitian counterpart h, obtained from H by a similarity transformation, as pointed out by Mostafazadeh. In the first model, due to Swanson, h turns out to be just a scaled harmonic oscillator, which explains the form of its spectrum. However, the transformation is not unique, which also means that the observables of the original theory are not uniquely determined by H alone. The second model we consider is the original PT-invariant Hamiltonian, with potential V = igx 3. In this case the corresponding h, which we are only able to construct in perturbation theory, corresponds to a complicated velocity-dependent potential. We again explore the relationship between the canonical variables x and p and the observables X and P. 1
In the context of two particularly interesting non-Hermitian models in quantum mechanics we explore the relationship between the original Hamiltonian H and its Hermitian counterpart h , obtained from H by a similarity transformation, as pointed out by Mostafazadeh. In the first model, due to Swanson, h turns out to be just a scaled harmonic oscillator, which explains the form of its spectrum. However, the transformation is not unique, which also means that the observables of the original theory are not uniquely determined by H alone. The second model we consider is the original PT -invariant Hamiltonian, with potential V = i gx 3 . In this case the corresponding h , which we are only able to construct in perturbation theory, corresponds to a complicated velocity-dependent potential. We again explore the relationship between the canonical variables x and p and the observables X and P .
A superintegrable generalization of the classical and quantum Zernike systems is reviewed. The corresponding Hamiltonians are endowed with higher-order integrals and can be interpreted as higher-order superintegrable perturbations of the 2D spherical (Higgs), hyperbolic, and Euclidean harmonic oscillators. As a new result, the complete polynomial Higgs-type symmetry algebra of the generalized classical system is presented. For the generalized quantum system, the symmetry algebra and the spectra are provided for a representative case.
A diagonalizable non-Hermitian Hamiltonian having a real spectrum may be used to define a unitary quantum system, if one modifies the inner product of the Hilbert space properly. We give a comprehensive and essentially self-contained review of the basic ideas and techniques responsible for the recent developments in this subject. We provide a critical assessment of the role of the geometry of the Hilbert space in conventional quantum mechanics to reveal the basic physical principle motivating our study. We then offer a survey of the necessary mathematical tools, present their utility in establishing a lucid and precise formulation of a unitary quantum theory based on a non-Hermitian Hamiltonian, and elaborate on a number of relevant issues of fundamental importance. In particular, we discuss the role of the antilinear symmetries such as [Formula: see text], the true meaning and significance of the so-called charge operators [Formula: see text] and the [Formula: see text]-inner products, the nature of the physical observables, the equivalent description of such models using ordinary Hermitian quantum mechanics, the pertaining duality between local-non-Hermitian versus nonlocal-Hermitian descriptions of their dynamics, the corresponding classical systems, the pseudo-Hermitian canonical quantization scheme, various methods of calculating the (pseudo-) metric operators, subtleties of dealing with time-dependent quasi-Hermitian Hamiltonians and the path-integral formulation of the theory, and the structure of the state space and its ramifications for the quantum Brachistochrone problem. We also explore some concrete physical applications and manifestations of the abstract concepts and tools that have been developed in the course of this investigation. These include applications in nuclear physics, condensed matter physics, relativistic quantum mechanics and quantum field theory, quantum cosmology, electromagnetic wave propagation, open quantum systems, magnetohydrodynamics, quantum chaos and biophysics.
Abstract We study in this paper both the stationary and time-dependent pseudo-Hermitian Hamiltonians consisting respectively of SU(1, 1), SU(2) generators. The pseudo-Hermitian Hamiltonians can be generated from kernel Hermitian-Hamiltonians by a generalized gauge transformation with a non-unitary but Hermitian operator. The metric operator of the biorthogonal sets of eigenstates is simply the square of the transformation operator, which is formulated explicitly. The exact solutions of pseudo-Hermitian Hamiltonians are obtained in terms of the eigenststates of the Hermitian counterparts. We observe a critical point G c of coupling constant, where all eigenstates of the stationary Hamiltonians are degenerate with a vanishing eigenvalue. This critical point is modified as G c (ω) in the time-dependent case including the frequency of external field. Returning to the original gauge we obtain analytically the wave functions and associated non-adiabatic Berry phase, which diverges at the critical point for the SU(2)Hamiltonian. Beyond the critical point Berry phase becomes a complex domain.
Abstract Classical or quantum systems that stem from a basic symmetry are seen to be special in having several important properties. The harmonic oscillator and the Bohr system are such. Recent research into the Zernike system provides reasons to include it in this privileged class. Here we show that free motion on the 3-sphere can be projected down to produce classical orbits or complete and orthogonal bases for wavefronts in a circular pupil. This line of inquiry has been pursued in company with N.M. Atakishiyev, G.S. Pogosyan, C. Salto-Alegre, and A. Yakhno.