First a review is presented of the definition and properties of classical and quantum canonical transformations, from the point of view of a current program on the role of canonical transformations in quantum mechanics. The groups and the corresponding infinitesimal algebras are explored. The subgroup of point transformations (i.e. canonical transformations between pairs of conjugate observables, where one of a pair is function only of one of the other pair) is of special interest since it is a group of transformations for which classical and quantum mechanics follow each other. Only the group of inhomogeneous symplectic transformations has similar characteristics. Point transformations are treated in detail and a principal series of unitary representations is constructed. (auth)
Quantum canonical transformations are defined algebraically outside of a Hilbert space context. This generalizes the quantum canonical transformations of Weyl and Dirac to include non-unitary transformations. The importance of non-unitary transformations for constructing solutions of the Schrödinger equation is discussed. Three elementary canonical transformations are shown both to have quantum implementations as finite transformations and to generate, classically and infinitesimally, the full canonical algebra. A general canonical transformation can be realized quantum mechanically as a product of these transformations. Each transformation corresponds to a familiar tool used in solving differential equations, and
Quantum canonical transformations are defined algebraically outside of a Hilbert space context. This generalizes the quantum canonical transformations of Weyl and Dirac to include non-unitary transformations. The importance of non-unitary transformations for constructing solutions of the Schr\\"odinger equation is discussed. Three elementary canonical transformations are shown both to have quantum implementations as finite transformations and to generate, classically and infinitesimally, the full canonical algebra. A general canonical transformation can be realized quantum mechanically as a product of these transformations. Each transformation corresponds to a familiar tool used in solving differential equations, and the procedure of solving a differential equation is systematized by the use of the canonical transformations. Several examples are done to illustrate the use of the canonical transformations. [This is an extensively revised version of hep-th-9205080: the first third of the paper is new material; the notation has been simplified, and further discussion has been added to the remainder.]