Derivation of Feynman's path integral theory based on stochastic mechanics

Xiao Lin, James G. Glimm

Kirk Boyle

M. S. Wang

A relation between the kernel of a quantum system in Feynman's path-integral theory and the transition probability of the corresponding Markov process, with the diffusion coefficient rotated to the imaginary axis, is obtained in the framework of stochastic mechanics. If a stationary state is considered, the relation reduces to a form relating a Euclidean (i.e., imaginary time) quantum theory to a Markov process.

Sergio A Albeverio, Raphael J. Høegh-Krohn

Sonia Mazzucchi

Sonia Mazzucchi

"Feynman path integrals are ubiquitous in quantum physics, even if a large part of the scientific community still considers them as a heuristic tool that lacks a sound mathematical definition. Our book aims to refute this prejudice, providing an extensive and self-contained description of the mathematical theory of Feynman path integration, from the earlier attempts to the latest developments, as well as its applications to quantum mechanics. This second edition presents a detailed discussion of the general theory of complex integration on infinite dimensional spaces, providing on one hand a unified view of the various existing approaches to the mathematical construction of Feynman path integrals and on the other hand a connection with the classical theory of stochastic processes. Moreover, new chapters containing recent applications to several dynamical systems have been added. This book bridges between the realms of stochastic analysis and the theory of Feynman path integration. It is accessible to both mathematicians and physicists"--