In this work we apply the Lie group representation method introduced in the real time formalism for finite-temperature quantum-field theory, thermofield dynamics, to derive a spinorial density matrix equation. Symmetry properties of such equation are analysed, and as a basic result it is shown that one solution is the generalised density matrix operator proposed by Heinz, to deal with gauge covariant kinetic equations. In the same context, preliminary aspects of a Lagrangian formalism to derive kinetic equations, as well as quantum density matrix equations in curved space-time, are discussed.In this work we apply the Lie group representation method introduced in the real time formalism for finite-temperature quantum-field theory, thermofield dynamics, to derive a spinorial density matrix equation. Symmetry properties of such equation are analysed, and as a basic result it is shown that one solution is the generalised density matrix operator proposed by Heinz, to deal with gauge covariant kinetic equations. In the same context, preliminary aspects of a Lagrangian formalism to derive kinetic equations, as well as quantum density matrix equations in curved space-time, are discussed.

arXiv:hep-th/9812222Dec 23, 19980 citations

Wigner functions and their symmetries

Sibel Başkal, Young S Kim, Marilyn E. Noz

Institute of Physics eBooksMay 1, 20210 citations

The Covariant Wigner Function

WORLD SCIENTIFIC eBooksMar 1, 20110 citations

Permutation Symmetry Determines the Discrete Wigner Function

Huangjun Zhu

The Wigner function provides a useful quasiprobability representation of quantum mechanics, with applications in various branches of physics. Many nice properties of the Wigner function are intimately connected with the high symmetry of the underlying operator basis composed of phase point operators: any pair of phase point operators can be transformed to any other pair by a unitary symmetry transformation. We prove that, in the discrete scenario, this permutation symmetry is equivalent to the symmetry group being a unitary 2 design. Such a highly symmetric representation can only appear in odd prime power dimensions besides dimensions 2 and 8. It suffices to single out a unique discrete Wigner function among all possible quasiprobability representations. In the course of our study, we show that this discrete Wigner function is uniquely determined by Clifford covariance, while no Wigner function is Clifford covariant in any even prime power dimension.The Wigner function provides a useful quasiprobability representation of quantum mechanics, with applications in various branches of physics. Many nice properties of the Wigner function are intimately connected with the high symmetry of the underlying operator basis composed of phase point operators: any pair of phase point operators can be transformed to any other pair by a unitary symmetry transformation. We prove that, in the discrete scenario, this permutation symmetry is equivalent to the symmetry group being a unitary 2 design. Such a highly symmetric representation can only appear in odd prime power dimensions besides dimensions 2 and 8. It suffices to single out a unique discrete Wigner function among all possible quasiprobability representations. In the course of our study, we show that this discrete Wigner function is uniquely determined by Clifford covariance, while no Wigner function is Clifford covariant in any even prime power dimension.

arXiv:1504.03773Physical Review LettersJan 26, 201650 citations

Relativistic spin operator and Lorentz covariant reduced spin density matrix in a new representation space

Heon Lee

The spin reduced matrix defined by taking partial trace with the momentum variable has been shown not to transform covariantly under Lorentz transformations. In this paper, I suggest another representation space of the Poincare group, the elements of which are in a sense apparent wave functions. In this new Hilbert space, the naive spin observable $\frac{1}{2}\boldsymbol{\tau}$ from nonrelativistic quantum mechanics on the old Hilbert space is represented as the Newton-Wigner spin operator. Also on this space, one can naturally associate to each state a Lorentz covariant spin reduced density matrix, which is then given a new interpretation.The spin reduced matrix defined by taking partial trace with the momentum variable has been shown not to transform covariantly under Lorentz transformations. In this paper, I suggest another representation space of the Poincare group, the elements of which are in a sense apparent wave functions. In this new Hilbert space, the naive spin observable $\frac{1}{2}\boldsymbol{\tau}$ from nonrelativistic quantum mechanics on the old Hilbert space is represented as the Newton-Wigner spin operator. Also on this space, one can naturally associate to each state a Lorentz covariant spin reduced density matrix, which is then given a new interpretation.

May 21, 20210 citations

Wigner’s Symmetry Representation Theorem

Aritra K. Mukhopadhyay

ResonanceOct 1, 20141 citation

\frac{1}{2}\boldsymbol{\tau}

from nonrelativistic quantum mechanics on the old Hilbert space is represented as the Newton-Wigner spin operator. Also on this space, one can naturally associate to each state a Lorentz covariant spin reduced density matrix, which is then given a new interpretation.