Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

InTech eBooks

Quantization as Selection Rather than Eigenvalue Problem

P. Enders

Published Apr 3, 2013• 3 citations
Publisher

Abstract

The "quantum equation" should "carry the quantum conditions in itself" (Second Commun., p. 511); 2. There should be a special mathematical method for solving the stationary Schrödinger equation, which accounts for the non-classical character of the quantization problem, ie, which is different from the classical eigenvalue methods for calculating the (eigen)modes of strings, resonators and so on (ibid., p. 513);3. The derivation should uniquely decide, that the energy rather than the frequency values are discretized (ibid., pp.511, 519), since only the former means true quantization, while the latter corresponds to the classical discretization mentioned in requirement 2;4. The use of the classical expressions for the kinetic and potential energies should be justified (Fourth Commun., p. 113).Schrödinger's requirements 1 and 2 mean, that -contrary to the very title of the papersquantization is actually not an eigenvalue problem.For in the latter the discretization is imposed not by the differential equation itself, but by the boundary conditions, and this is the classical discretization for standing waves in organ pipes etc.I will fulfill all four requirements by treating quantization as a selection problem.The number of stationary states of a quantum system is smaller than that of a classical system [6].I will describe, (i), the selection of quantum systems out of the set of all mechanical systems and, (ii), the selection of their stationary states out of the continuum of classical stationary states.Earlier arguing [19][10] is improved and extended in several essential points. Elements of an Eulerian representation of classical mechanics Euler's axiomsLeonhard Euler [20][21][22][23][24][25] was the first to apply the calculus to all areas of mathematics and mechanics of his time, and he developed novel methods, such as the calculus of variations and topology.Moreover, he worked out an axiomatic of mechanics, where only Newton's Law (axiom) 1 concerning the conservation of stationary states is retained as an axiom, while Newton's Laws (axioms) 2 and 3 concerning the change of stationary states are treated as problems to be solved (for a detailed account, see [19][10][45]).This allows for introducing alternative equations of motion without loosing the contact to CM.The existence of stationary states is postulated in the following axioms (as in Newton's axioms, rotatory motion is not considered). Axiom E0: Every body is either resting or moving.This means, that the subsequent axioms E1 and E2 are not independent of each other; they exclude each other and, at once, they are in harmony with each other [22].

DOI
10.5772/53847

Related papers

Non-Classical Selection of the Physical Solutions

P. Enders

The energy parameter in the stationary Schrödinger equation is primarily continuous. Schrödinger has selected the discrete quantum states by means of boundary conditions. This, however, is mathematics for classical systems like strings and pipes. And, more important, it hides the intrinsic discrete structure of that equation. The latter is represented by the recursion relations between solutions to different values of the energy parameter. These follows from Whittaker’s integral expressions of the solutions and hold true for all solutions, not only for Schrödinger’s eigensolutions. The physically relevant solutions are distinguished by certain mathematical properties as well as physical criteria, in particular, by their compliance with the absence of perpetua mobilia. This non-classical approach is exemplified by means of the model system harmonic oscillator. For this, the chapter starts with a sketch of the classical harmonic oscillator, including quite general topics such as the separation of internal and external system parameters and Huygens’ principle, which will reappear in the quantum realm.

BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBLISHERS eBooks•Feb 12, 2019•0 citations

Conservation and Change of Stationary States

Peter Enders

The time-independent Schrödinger equation represents a stationary-state equation. The stationary wave functions obtained so far are time independent. Their time-dependence is obtained by means of rather general arguments. Then, stationarystate functions are found. The next step in Newton’s and Euler’s representations of classical mechanics is (to derive) the equation of change of stationary-states. Here, Euler’s principles of stationary-state change are generalized to quantum-mechanical systems. This enables us to derive the quantum-mechanical equation of change of stationary-states. The time-independent Schrödinger equation, i.e, the equation of motion will follow in the next chapter.

BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBLISHERS eBooks•Feb 12, 2019•0 citations

Wave mechanics 1

P. C. W. Davies, David S. Betts

The study of the behaviour of microscopic systems using Schrodinger's wave equation is a branch of quantum mechanics known as wave mechanics. This approach is inadequate to deal with all problems of interest, but a remarkably wide range of processes can successfully be investigated solely with the theory. The physics of a particle which moves in a static potential is of particular interest. Classically, the energy of such a particle is conserved. The wave function is reminiscent of the classical problem of standing waves on a stretched string with fixed endpoints, with the stationary states corresponding to the normal modes of vibration. Just as there are discrete frequencies of vibration on the string, so there are discrete energy levels. The energy, which is a continuous parameter in classical mechanics, is 'quantized' to certain discrete energy levels.

Routledge eBooks•Apr 27, 2018•0 citations

Time-sliced path integrals with stationary states

Chris M Field, Frank Willem Nijhoff

The path integral approach to the quantization of one degree-of-freedom Newtonian particles is considered within the discrete time-slicing approach, as in Feynman's original development. In the time-slicing approximation the quantum mechanical evolution will generally not have any stationary states. We look for conditions on the potential energy term such that the quantum mechanical evolution may possess stationary states without having to perform a continuum limit. When the stationary states are postulated to be solutions of a second-order ordinary differential equation (ODE) eigenvalue problem it is found that the potential is required to be a solution of a particular first-order ODE. Similarly, when the stationary states are postulated to be solutions of a second-order ordinary difference equation (O$Δ$E) eigenvalue problem the potential is required to be a solution of a particular first-order O$Δ$E. The classical limits (which are at times very nontrivial) are integrable maps.

arXiv:nlin/0604046•Journal of Physics A Mathematical and General•May 3, 2006•3 citations

Summary and Conclusions

Peter Enders

This chapter summarizes the main results of this book and draws some conclusions. Special attention is paid to the axiomatic basis, i.e., to Schrödinger’s requirements and Hertz’s program, which lead to the novel paradigm of quantization as selection problem (rather than eigenvalue problem). Both ones are realized by means of limiting (Schrödingerian weight) functions, which guarantee the validity of the energy conservation law in the classically forbidden regions of configuration and momentum configuration spaces (e.g, beyond the turning points of classical oscillators). Further topics are the separation of external and internal parameters as initiated by Euler, the differences between classical and quantum wave equations, causality and determinism, hidden variables, symmetry and field quantization.

BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBLISHERS eBooks•Feb 12, 2019•0 citations

Simple applications

Peter Holland

Stationary states General properties We shall consider first some general characteristics of the ‘stationary states’. These are eigenfunctions of the Hamiltonian operator: The requirement that ψ satisfies the Schrödinger equation fixes its time dependence: Notice that (4.1.2) can only be a solution if the external potential V is independent of the time: V = V ( x ). The initial function ψ 0 is not arbitrary but must satisfy the time-independent Schrödinger equation (4.1.1). Writing ψ = R e iS /ħ one thus has The following deductions may be made from (4.1.3): ( a ) The probability density is independent of the time: |ψ| 2 = R 2 0 ( X ). ( b ) The quantum potential Q = (- ħ2/2 mR 0 )∇ 2 R 0 is time-independent. Therefore so is the total effective potential: ( c ) The velocity field v = (l/ m )∇ S 0 is independent of time and hence the trajectories, found by solving m = v ( x )| x = x ( t ) , are solutions of Moreover, ψ 0 ( x ) is often a real function for many bound state problems of interest (although not for scattering states) which implies that the velocity is zero. The particle is at rest where one would classically expect it to move since the quantum force (- ∇ Q ) cancels the classical force (- ∇ K ). ( d ) The energy of all particles in the ensemble, -∂ S /∂ t , is a constant of the motion and equal to the energy eigenvalue: with (4.1.4), we have an example of the conservation of energy (cf. §3.9.3). ( e ) The total field energy is conserved: 〈Ĥ〉 = E . […]

Cambridge University Press eBooks•May 13, 1993•0 citations
The "quantum equation" should "carry the quantum conditions in itself" (Second Commun., p. 511); 2. There should be a special mathematical method for solving the stationary Schrödinger equation, which accounts for the non-classical character of the quantization problem, ie, which is different from the classical eigenvalue methods for calculating the (eigen)modes of strings, resonators and so on (ibid., p. 513);3. The derivation should uniquely decide, that the energy rather than the frequency values are discretized (ibid., pp.511, 519), since only the former means true quantization, while the latter corresponds to the classical discretization mentioned in requirement 2;4. The use of the classical expressions for the kinetic and potential energies should be justified (Fourth Commun., p. 113).Schrödinger's requirements 1 and 2 mean, that -contrary to the very title of the papersquantization is actually not an eigenvalue problem.For in the latter the discretization is imposed not by the differential equation itself, but by the boundary conditions, and this is the classical discretization for standing waves in organ pipes etc.I will fulfill all four requirements by treating quantization as a selection problem.The number of stationary states of a quantum system is smaller than that of a classical system [6].I will describe, (i), the selection of quantum systems out of the set of all mechanical systems and, (ii), the selection of their stationary states out of the continuum of classical stationary states.Earlier arguing [19][10] is improved and extended in several essential points. Elements of an Eulerian representation of classical mechanics Euler's axiomsLeonhard Euler [20][21][22][23][24][25] was the first to apply the calculus to all areas of mathematics and mechanics of his time, and he developed novel methods, such as the calculus of variations and topology.Moreover, he worked out an axiomatic of mechanics, where only Newton's Law (axiom) 1 concerning the conservation of stationary states is retained as an axiom, while Newton's Laws (axioms) 2 and 3 concerning the change of stationary states are treated as problems to be solved (for a detailed account, see [19][10][45]).This allows for introducing alternative equations of motion without loosing the contact to CM.The existence of stationary states is postulated in the following axioms (as in Newton's axioms, rotatory motion is not considered). Axiom E0: Every body is either resting or moving.This means, that the subsequent axioms E1 and E2 are not independent of each other; they exclude each other and, at once, they are in harmony with each other [22].
The energy parameter in the stationary Schrödinger equation is primarily continuous. Schrödinger has selected the discrete quantum states by means of boundary conditions. This, however, is mathematics for classical systems like strings and pipes. And, more important, it hides the intrinsic discrete structure of that equation. The latter is represented by the recursion relations between solutions to different values of the energy parameter. These follows from Whittaker’s integral expressions of the solutions and hold true for all solutions, not only for Schrödinger’s eigensolutions. The physically relevant solutions are distinguished by certain mathematical properties as well as physical criteria, in particular, by their compliance with the absence of perpetua mobilia. This non-classical approach is exemplified by means of the model system harmonic oscillator. For this, the chapter starts with a sketch of the classical harmonic oscillator, including quite general topics such as the separation of internal and external system parameters and Huygens’ principle, which will reappear in the quantum realm.
The time-independent Schrödinger equation represents a stationary-state equation. The stationary wave functions obtained so far are time independent. Their time-dependence is obtained by means of rather general arguments. Then, stationarystate functions are found. The next step in Newton’s and Euler’s representations of classical mechanics is (to derive) the equation of change of stationary-states. Here, Euler’s principles of stationary-state change are generalized to quantum-mechanical systems. This enables us to derive the quantum-mechanical equation of change of stationary-states. The time-independent Schrödinger equation, i.e, the equation of motion will follow in the next chapter.
The study of the behaviour of microscopic systems using Schrodinger's wave equation is a branch of quantum mechanics known as wave mechanics. This approach is inadequate to deal with all problems of interest, but a remarkably wide range of processes can successfully be investigated solely with the theory. The physics of a particle which moves in a static potential is of particular interest. Classically, the energy of such a particle is conserved. The wave function is reminiscent of the classical problem of standing waves on a stretched string with fixed endpoints, with the stationary states corresponding to the normal modes of vibration. Just as there are discrete frequencies of vibration on the string, so there are discrete energy levels. The energy, which is a continuous parameter in classical mechanics, is 'quantized' to certain discrete energy levels.
The path integral approach to the quantization of one degree-of-freedom Newtonian particles is considered within the discrete time-slicing approach, as in Feynman's original development. In the time-slicing approximation the quantum mechanical evolution will generally not have any stationary states. We look for conditions on the potential energy term such that the quantum mechanical evolution may possess stationary states without having to perform a continuum limit. When the stationary states are postulated to be solutions of a second-order ordinary differential equation (ODE) eigenvalue problem it is found that the potential is required to be a solution of a particular first-order ODE. Similarly, when the stationary states are postulated to be solutions of a second-order ordinary difference equation (OΔΔΔE) eigenvalue problem the potential is required to be a solution of a particular first-order OΔΔΔE. The classical limits (which are at times very nontrivial) are integrable maps.
This chapter summarizes the main results of this book and draws some conclusions. Special attention is paid to the axiomatic basis, i.e., to Schrödinger’s requirements and Hertz’s program, which lead to the novel paradigm of quantization as selection problem (rather than eigenvalue problem). Both ones are realized by means of limiting (Schrödingerian weight) functions, which guarantee the validity of the energy conservation law in the classically forbidden regions of configuration and momentum configuration spaces (e.g, beyond the turning points of classical oscillators). Further topics are the separation of external and internal parameters as initiated by Euler, the differences between classical and quantum wave equations, causality and determinism, hidden variables, symmetry and field quantization.
Stationary states General properties We shall consider first some general characteristics of the ‘stationary states’. These are eigenfunctions of the Hamiltonian operator: The requirement that ψ satisfies the Schrödinger equation fixes its time dependence: Notice that (4.1.2) can only be a solution if the external potential V is independent of the time: V = V ( x ). The initial function ψ 0 is not arbitrary but must satisfy the time-independent Schrödinger equation (4.1.1). Writing ψ = R e iS /ħ one thus has The following deductions may be made from (4.1.3): ( a ) The probability density is independent of the time: |ψ| 2 = R 2 0 ( X ). ( b ) The quantum potential Q = (- ħ2/2 mR 0 )∇ 2 R 0 is time-independent. Therefore so is the total effective potential: ( c ) The velocity field v = (l/ m )∇ S 0 is independent of time and hence the trajectories, found by solving m = v ( x )| x = x ( t ) , are solutions of Moreover, ψ 0 ( x ) is often a real function for many bound state problems of interest (although not for scattering states) which implies that the velocity is zero. The particle is at rest where one would classically expect it to move since the quantum force (- ∇ Q ) cancels the classical force (- ∇ K ). ( d ) The energy of all particles in the ensemble, -∂ S /∂ t , is a constant of the motion and equal to the energy eigenvalue: with (4.1.4), we have an example of the conservation of energy (cf. §3.9.3). ( e ) The total field energy is conserved: 〈Ĥ〉 = E . […]