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

European Journal of Physics

Dirac-bracket quantisation of a constrained nonlinear system: the rigid rotator

Norbert K. Falck, Allen C. Hirshfeld

Published Jan 1, 1983• 16 citations
Publisher

Abstract

The authors discuss the Dirac-bracket quantisation procedure for the nonrelativistic rigid rotator. In cartesian coordinates this system exhibits two important features which are also characteristic of the nonabelian gauge theories, it is constrained, and nonlinear. By comparing to the known solution in polar coordinates the author demonstrate that simple hermiticity conditions are sufficient to allow the unambiguous application of the Dirac quantisation method to such nonlinear dynamical systems.

DOI
10.1088/0143-0807/4/1/003

Related papers

A tutorial on Dirac quantisation by analysing the problem of a ball on an inclined plane as a Hamiltonian system with constraints

M. F. Araujo de Resende, Thales Machado F

In this paper, we present a detailed review/analysis of the Dirac quantisation of Hamiltonian systems with constraints. To this end, we use, as a guide, the physical example provided by the dynamics of a solid ball rolling, without slipping, down an inclined plane under the action of gravity. After all, however simple this physical system may be, it provides a rich framework for this analysis since, in addition to allowing us to discuss scenarios involving holonomic and non-holonomic constraints, it is also a gauge system. Indeed, due to this latter fact, we have carefully detailed how the transition, from classical to quantum mechanics, must be guided by the Dirac-Bergmann algorithm and by the consequent replacement of Dirac brackets with commutators. As a central result, we demonstrate that the restriction of the Hamiltonian operator of this system with constraints to the physical Hilbert subspace (which is identified with the quantisation of these constraints) reproduces the same Schrödinger equation that can be originally obtained in intrinsic terms, a fact that only reinforces the consistency of the Dirac quantisation method.

quant-pharXiv:2605.28878•May 27, 2026•0 citations

1 Can we look at the quantisation rules as constraints?

E. Gozzi

In this paper we explore the idea of looking at the Dirac quantisation conditions as ¯h-dependent constraints on the tangent bundle to phase-space. Starting from the path-integral version of classical mechanics and using the natural Poisson brackets structure present in the cotangent bundle to the tangent bundle of phase- space, we handle the above constraints using the standard theory of Dirac for constrained systems. The hope is to obtain, as total Hamiltonian, the Moyal operator of time-evolution and as Dirac brackets the Moyal ones. Unfortunately the program fails indicating that something is missing. We put forward at the end some ideas for future work which may overcome this failure. 1.

•Jan 1, 1997•1 citation

Schrödinger equation for the nonrelativistic particle constrained on a hypersurface in a curved space

Takahiro Homma, Tadashi Inamoto, Tadashi Miyazaki

Dirac-bracket quantization of the nonrelativistic particle whose motion is constrained on the hypersurface f(x)=const embedded in a general curved space is discussed. The noncanonical nature of commutation relations makes it difficult to obtain the coordinate representation. Then the system with the derivative-type constraint df(x)/dt=0 is alternatively quantized, treating carefully the operator-ordering problem. In this system it is shown that there exist no constraints on coordinates and momenta and that one can thus have a straightforward representation, which leads, in turn, to the representation and the Schr\"odinger equation in the former system.

Physical review. D. Particles, fields, gravitation, and cosmology/Physical review. D. Particles and fields•Sep 15, 1990•33 citations

Dirac versus reduced phase space quantization for systems admitting no gauge conditions

Plyushchay, M S, Razumov, A V

The constrained Hamiltonian systems admitting no gauge conditions are considered. The methods to deal with such systems are discussed and developed. As a concrete application, the relationship between the Dirac and reduced phase space quantizations is investigated for spin models belonging to the class of systems under consideration. It is traced out that the two quantization methods may give similar, or essentially different physical results, and, moreover, a class of constrained systems, which can be quantized only by the Dirac method, is discussed. A possible interpretation of the gauge degrees of freedom is given.

•Jan 1, 1996•20 citations

Path-integral quantization of constrained Hamiltonian dynamical system: A pedagogical example

Manan Sengupta

The concept of constrained Hamiltonian dynamical systems and their quantization, introduced by Dirac, constitutes one of the most fundamental contributions to the development of the canonical formalism in recent times. Dirac’s concepts were later incorporated into the path-integral formulation of quantum mechanics by Faddeev, which played an important role in understanding some subtle aspects in the quantization of non-Abelian gauge theory. An example is given from nonrelativistic quantum mechanics which illustrates the formalism through simple analogy.

American Journal of Physics•Nov 1, 1986•1 citation

HOW TO CONSTRUCT A COORDINATE REPRESENTATION OF A HAMILTONIAN OPERATOR ON A TORUS

SUMIO ISHIKAWA, TADASHI MIYAZAKI, KAZUYOSHI YAMAMOTO +1 more

The dynamical system of a point particle constrained on a torus is quantized à la Dirac with two kinds of coordinate systems respectively; the Cartesian and toric coordinate systems. In the Cartesian coordinate system, it is difficult to express momentum operators in coordinate representation owing to the complication in structure of the commutation relations between canonical variables. In the toric coordinate system, the commutation relations have a simple form and their solutions in coordinate representation are easily obtained with, furthermore, two quantum Hamiltonians turning up. A problem comes out when the coordinate system is transformed, after quantization, from the Cartesian to the toric coordinate system.

arXiv:hep-th/9511025•International Journal of Modern Physics A•Jul 20, 1996•4 citations
The authors discuss the Dirac-bracket quantisation procedure for the nonrelativistic rigid rotator. In cartesian coordinates this system exhibits two important features which are also characteristic of the nonabelian gauge theories, it is constrained, and nonlinear. By comparing to the known solution in polar coordinates the author demonstrate that simple hermiticity conditions are sufficient to allow the unambiguous application of the Dirac quantisation method to such nonlinear dynamical systems.
In this paper, we present a detailed review/analysis of the Dirac quantisation of Hamiltonian systems with constraints. To this end, we use, as a guide, the physical example provided by the dynamics of a solid ball rolling, without slipping, down an inclined plane under the action of gravity. After all, however simple this physical system may be, it provides a rich framework for this analysis since, in addition to allowing us to discuss scenarios involving holonomic and non-holonomic constraints, it is also a gauge system. Indeed, due to this latter fact, we have carefully detailed how the transition, from classical to quantum mechanics, must be guided by the Dirac-Bergmann algorithm and by the consequent replacement of Dirac brackets with commutators. As a central result, we demonstrate that the restriction of the Hamiltonian operator of this system with constraints to the physical Hilbert subspace (which is identified with the quantisation of these constraints) reproduces the same Schrödinger equation that can be originally obtained in intrinsic terms, a fact that only reinforces the consistency of the Dirac quantisation method.
In this paper we explore the idea of looking at the Dirac quantisation conditions as ¯h-dependent constraints on the tangent bundle to phase-space. Starting from the path-integral version of classical mechanics and using the natural Poisson brackets structure present in the cotangent bundle to the tangent bundle of phase- space, we handle the above constraints using the standard theory of Dirac for constrained systems. The hope is to obtain, as total Hamiltonian, the Moyal operator of time-evolution and as Dirac brackets the Moyal ones. Unfortunately the program fails indicating that something is missing. We put forward at the end some ideas for future work which may overcome this failure. 1.
Dirac-bracket quantization of the nonrelativistic particle whose motion is constrained on the hypersurface f(x)=const embedded in a general curved space is discussed. The noncanonical nature of commutation relations makes it difficult to obtain the coordinate representation. Then the system with the derivative-type constraint df(x)/dt=0 is alternatively quantized, treating carefully the operator-ordering problem. In this system it is shown that there exist no constraints on coordinates and momenta and that one can thus have a straightforward representation, which leads, in turn, to the representation and the Schr\"odinger equation in the former system.
The constrained Hamiltonian systems admitting no gauge conditions are considered. The methods to deal with such systems are discussed and developed. As a concrete application, the relationship between the Dirac and reduced phase space quantizations is investigated for spin models belonging to the class of systems under consideration. It is traced out that the two quantization methods may give similar, or essentially different physical results, and, moreover, a class of constrained systems, which can be quantized only by the Dirac method, is discussed. A possible interpretation of the gauge degrees of freedom is given.
The concept of constrained Hamiltonian dynamical systems and their quantization, introduced by Dirac, constitutes one of the most fundamental contributions to the development of the canonical formalism in recent times. Dirac’s concepts were later incorporated into the path-integral formulation of quantum mechanics by Faddeev, which played an important role in understanding some subtle aspects in the quantization of non-Abelian gauge theory. An example is given from nonrelativistic quantum mechanics which illustrates the formalism through simple analogy.
The dynamical system of a point particle constrained on a torus is quantized à la Dirac with two kinds of coordinate systems respectively; the Cartesian and toric coordinate systems. In the Cartesian coordinate system, it is difficult to express momentum operators in coordinate representation owing to the complication in structure of the commutation relations between canonical variables. In the toric coordinate system, the commutation relations have a simple form and their solutions in coordinate representation are easily obtained with, furthermore, two quantum Hamiltonians turning up. A problem comes out when the coordinate system is transformed, after quantization, from the Cartesian to the toric coordinate system.