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

Journal of Mathematical Physics

No Lagrangian? No quantization!

Sergio A. Hojman, Lawrence C. Shepley

Published Jan 1, 1991• 77 citations
Publisher

Abstract

This work starts with classical equations of motion and sets very general quantization conditions (commutation relations). It is proved that these conditions imply that the equations of motion are equivalent to the Euler–Lagrange equations of a Lagrangian L. The result is a generalization of work by Feynman, recently reported by Dyson [Am. J. Phys. 58, 209–211 (1990)]. The Lagrangian L need not be unique. Examples are given, including classical equations that do not come from a Lagrangian and therefore cannot be quantized consistently.

DOI
10.1063/1.529507

Related papers

To what extent do the classical equations of motion determine the quantization scheme?

J. Cislo, J. Lopuszański

A simple example of one particle moving in a (1+1) space–time is considered. As an example we take the harmonic oscillator. We confirm the statement that the classical equations of motion do not determine at all the quantization scheme. To this aim we use two inequivalent Lagrange functions, yielding Euler–Lagrange equations, having the same set of solutions. We present in detail the calculations of both cases to emphasize the differences occuring between them.

arXiv:math-ph/0012005•Journal of Mathematical Physics•Nov 1, 2001•12 citations

Quantization of Equations of Motion

Denis Kochan

The Classical Newton-Lagrange equations of motion represent the fundamental physical law of mechanics. Their traditional Lagrangian and/or Hamiltonian precursors when available are essential in the context of quantization. However, there are situations that lack Lagrangian and/or Hamiltonian settings. This paper discusses a description of classical dynamics and presents some irresponsible speculations about its quantization by introducing a certain canonical two-form ?. By its construction ? embodies kinetic energy and forces acting within the system (not their potential). A new type of variational principle employing differential two-form ? is introduced. Variation is performed over “umbilical surfaces“ instead of system histories. It provides correct Newton-Lagrange equations of motion. The quantization is inspired by the Feynman path integral approach. The quintessence is to rearrange it into an “umbilical world-sheet“ functional integral in accordance with the proposed variational principle. In the case of potential-generated forces, the new approach reduces to the standard quantum mechanics. As an example, Quantum Mechanics with friction is analyzed in detail.

Acta Polytechnica•Jan 2, 2007•5 citations

A quantum model with one bosonic degree of freedom

Ning Wu, Tunan Ruan

Conventionally, when we construct a quantum model, we must first know the corresponding classical model. Applying the correspondence between the classical Poisson brackets and the canonical commutator, we can find the canonical quantization condition. Through the example given in this paper, we will find that it is not necessary to do this. In the example, a Lagrangian operator is operator gauge invariant. After localization, in order to keep the operator gauge invariance of the operator action, we must introduce a gauge potential. The Euler - Lagrange equation of motion of q gives the usual operator equation of motion, and the gauge potential gives a constraint. This constraint is just the usual canonical quantization condition.

Journal of Physics A Mathematical and General•Dec 7, 1996•0 citations

New quantum mechanical model

Wu Ning

A quantum mechanical model with one bosonic degree of freedom is discussed in detail. Conventionally, when a quantum mechanical model is constructed, one must know the corresponding classical model. And by applying the correspondence between the classical Poisson brackets and the canonical commutator, the canonical quantization condition can be obtained. In the quantum model, study of the corresponding classical model is needed first. In this model, the Lagrangian is an operator gauge invariant. After localization, in order to keep gauge invariance, the operator gauge potential must be introduced. The Eular-Lagrange equation of motion of the dynamical argument gives the usual operator equation of motion. And the operator gauge potential just gjves a constraint. This constraint is just the usual canonical quantization condition.

Science China Mathematics•Jan 1, 1996•0 citations

A derivation of the Schrödinger equation from Feynman’s path-integral formulation of quantum mechanics

Tal Hendel

Abstract The equation of motion in the standard formulation of non-relativistic quantum mechanics, the Schrödinger equation, is based on the Hamiltonian. In contrast, in Feynman’s path-integral formulation of quantum mechanics, the equation of motion is the propagation equation, which is based on the Lagrangian. That these two different equations of motion are equivalent was shown by Feynman, who provided a derivation of the Schrödinger equation from the propagation equation. Surprisingly, however, while in classical mechanics there exists a simple relationship between the Hamiltonian and the Lagrangian, there is nothing in Feynman’s derivation that gives any indication of this relationship. Here I show that the equations of motion in the Hamiltonian and Lagrangian formulations of quantum mechanics are, in fact, simply related to each other.

European Journal of Physics•Aug 7, 2024•1 citation

Ambiguities in Quantizing a Classical System

Ian H. Redmount, Wai-Mo Suen, K. Young

One classical theory, as determined by an equation of motion or set of classical trajectories, can correspond to many unitarily {\em in}equivalent quantum theories upon canonical quantization. This arises from a remarkable ambiguity, not previously investigated, in the construction of the classical (and hence the quantized) Hamiltonian or Lagrangian. This ambiguity is illustrated for systems with one degree of freedom: An arbitrary function of the constants of motion can be introduced into this construction. For example, the nonrelativistic and relativistic free particles follow identical classical trajectories, but the Hamiltonians or Lagrangians, and the canonically quantized versions of these descriptions, are inequivalent. Inequivalent descriptions of other systems, such as the harmonic oscillator, are also readily obtained.

arXiv:gr-qc/9904042•Apr 19, 1999•1 citation
This work starts with classical equations of motion and sets very general quantization conditions (commutation relations). It is proved that these conditions imply that the equations of motion are equivalent to the Euler–Lagrange equations of a Lagrangian L. The result is a generalization of work by Feynman, recently reported by Dyson [Am. J. Phys. 58, 209–211 (1990)]. The Lagrangian L need not be unique. Examples are given, including classical equations that do not come from a Lagrangian and therefore cannot be quantized consistently.
The Classical Newton-Lagrange equations of motion represent the fundamental physical law of mechanics. Their traditional Lagrangian and/or Hamiltonian precursors when available are essential in the context of quantization. However, there are situations that lack Lagrangian and/or Hamiltonian settings. This paper discusses a description of classical dynamics and presents some irresponsible speculations about its quantization by introducing a certain canonical two-form ?. By its construction ? embodies kinetic energy and forces acting within the system (not their potential). A new type of variational principle employing differential two-form ? is introduced. Variation is performed over “umbilical surfaces“ instead of system histories. It provides correct Newton-Lagrange equations of motion. The quantization is inspired by the Feynman path integral approach. The quintessence is to rearrange it into an “umbilical world-sheet“ functional integral in accordance with the proposed variational principle. In the case of potential-generated forces, the new approach reduces to the standard quantum mechanics. As an example, Quantum Mechanics with friction is analyzed in detail.
Conventionally, when we construct a quantum model, we must first know the corresponding classical model. Applying the correspondence between the classical Poisson brackets and the canonical commutator, we can find the canonical quantization condition. Through the example given in this paper, we will find that it is not necessary to do this. In the example, a Lagrangian operator is operator gauge invariant. After localization, in order to keep the operator gauge invariance of the operator action, we must introduce a gauge potential. The Euler - Lagrange equation of motion of q gives the usual operator equation of motion, and the gauge potential gives a constraint. This constraint is just the usual canonical quantization condition.
A quantum mechanical model with one bosonic degree of freedom is discussed in detail. Conventionally, when a quantum mechanical model is constructed, one must know the corresponding classical model. And by applying the correspondence between the classical Poisson brackets and the canonical commutator, the canonical quantization condition can be obtained. In the quantum model, study of the corresponding classical model is needed first. In this model, the Lagrangian is an operator gauge invariant. After localization, in order to keep gauge invariance, the operator gauge potential must be introduced. The Eular-Lagrange equation of motion of the dynamical argument gives the usual operator equation of motion. And the operator gauge potential just gjves a constraint. This constraint is just the usual canonical quantization condition.
Abstract The equation of motion in the standard formulation of non-relativistic quantum mechanics, the Schrödinger equation, is based on the Hamiltonian. In contrast, in Feynman’s path-integral formulation of quantum mechanics, the equation of motion is the propagation equation, which is based on the Lagrangian. That these two different equations of motion are equivalent was shown by Feynman, who provided a derivation of the Schrödinger equation from the propagation equation. Surprisingly, however, while in classical mechanics there exists a simple relationship between the Hamiltonian and the Lagrangian, there is nothing in Feynman’s derivation that gives any indication of this relationship. Here I show that the equations of motion in the Hamiltonian and Lagrangian formulations of quantum mechanics are, in fact, simply related to each other.
One classical theory, as determined by an equation of motion or set of classical trajectories, can correspond to many unitarily {\em in}equivalent quantum theories upon canonical quantization. This arises from a remarkable ambiguity, not previously investigated, in the construction of the classical (and hence the quantized) Hamiltonian or Lagrangian. This ambiguity is illustrated for systems with one degree of freedom: An arbitrary function of the constants of motion can be introduced into this construction. For example, the nonrelativistic and relativistic free particles follow identical classical trajectories, but the Hamiltonians or Lagrangians, and the canonically quantized versions of these descriptions, are inequivalent. Inequivalent descriptions of other systems, such as the harmonic oscillator, are also readily obtained.