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International Journal of Quantum Chemistry

Time‐dependent variational principle

Roberto Moccia

Published Jul 1, 1973• 49 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Abstract The time‐dependent variational principle due to Frenkel is derived from Hamilton's principle using a suitable general expression for the variational wave function. The connections with a recent comment of P. O. Löwdin and P. K. Mukherjee on the same subject are discussed.
DOI
10.1002/qua.560070414

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In a recent paper [Phys. Rev. A 77, 062511 (2008)], it was advocated to modify the variational principle for the action-integral functional in the Runge-Gross foundation of time-dependent density-functional theory. This was criticised in a subsequent paper [Phys. Rev. A 62, 052510 (2010)] by the present author. In a Comment [Phys. Rev. A 83, 046501 (2011)], it is argued that the criticism is unfounded. This is a response as given to the four specific points raised in the Comment, clarifying and confirming the essence of the original criticism.
Abstract Time-dependent variational principle (TDVP) provides powerful methods in solving the time-dependent Schröinger equation. As such Kan developed a TDVP (Kan 1981 Phys. Rev. A 24, 2831) and found that there is no Legendre transformation in quantum variational principle, suggesting that there is no place for the Maupertuis reduced action to appear in quantum dynamics. This claim is puzzling for the study of quantum–classical correspondence, since the Maupertuis least action principle practically sets the very basic foundation of classical mechanics. Zambrini showed within the theory of stochastic calculus of variations that the Maupertuis least action principle can lead to the Nelson stochastic quantization theory (Zambrini 1984 J. Math. Phys. 25, 1314). We here revisit the basic aspect of TDVP and reveal the hidden roles of Maupertuis-Hamilton least action in the Schrödinger wavepacket dynamics. On this basis we propose a dual least (stationary) action principle, which is composed of two variational functionals; one responsible for ‘energy related dynamics’ and the other for ‘dynamics of wave-flow’. The former is mainly a manifestation of particle nature in wave-particle duality, while the latter represents that of matter wave. It is also shown that by representing the TDVP in terms of these inseparably linked variational functionals the problem of singularity, which is inherent to the standard TDVPs, is resolved. The structure and properties of this TDVP are also discussed.