Generalized Phase-Space Distributions

G. S. Agarwal, E. Wolf

G. S. Agarwal

Leon W. Cohen

George C. Summerfield, Paul F. Zweifel

The generalized phase-space distributions, including the Wigner distribution, are presented in terms of expected values of generating operators. A generalization of the Weyl correspondence is obtained to provide expressions for generalized Wigner equivalents. Finally, rather simple relationships are obtained connecting the generalized phase-space distributions to the Wigner distribution; and similar relationships are obtained for the generalized Wigner equivalents. In particular, it appears that, among the class considered, there is no reason to use any distribution other than the Wigner for performing any calculations.

Leon W. Cohen

A set of quasi-probability distribution functions which give the correct quantum mechanical marginal distributions of position and momentum is studied. The phase-space distribution does not have to be bilinear in the state function. The Wigner distribution is a special case. A general relationship between the phase-space distribution functions and the rule of associating classical quantities to quantum mechanical operators is derived. This allows the writing of correspondence rules at will,of which the ones presently known are particular cases. The dynamics and other properties of the generalized phase-space distribution are considered.

F. J. Arranz, F. Borondo, R. M. Benito