The Stone-von Neumann theorem makes canonical quantization unique only after one imposes strong continuity of the Weyl translation groups. We show that this continuity assumption cannot be certified by any finite-resolution interrogation of the Weyl relations. A finite protocol probes only finitely many phase-space displacements and bounded expectation values, thereby determining a protocol algebra $C_S$ generated by a finitely generated subgroup of Weyl translations, but not the regularity of an extension to the full Weyl algebra. Using the polymer representation as a canonical non-regular representation, we prove that for every regular Weyl representation, every normal state, and every finite family of bounded protocol observables, a polymer state reproduces the same expectation values to arbitrary prescribed accuracy. Thus finite agreement with Schrödinger quantum mechanics does not operationally certify the regularity hypothesis entering uniqueness. The result does not assert physical equivalence between regular and polymer quantizations, it identifies where additional input, such as Hamiltonian dynamics, energy regularity, semiclassicality, or a continuum limit, is required to distinguish or select representations. In this precise sense, non-regular polymer kinematics are not excluded by finite Weyl data alone, a point of direct relevance to quantum-gravity motivated quantizations.The Stone-von Neumann theorem makes canonical quantization unique only after one imposes strong continuity of the Weyl translation groups. We show that this continuity assumption cannot be certified by any finite-resolution interrogation of the Weyl relations. A finite protocol probes only finitely many phase-space displacements and bounded expectation values, thereby determining a protocol algebra $C_S$ generated by a finitely generated subgroup of Weyl translations, but not the regularity of an extension to the full Weyl algebra. Using the polymer representation as a canonical non-regular representation, we prove that for every regular Weyl representation, every normal state, and every finite family of bounded protocol observables, a polymer state reproduces the same expectation values to arbitrary prescribed accuracy. Thus finite agreement with Schrödinger quantum mechanics does not operationally certify the regularity hypothesis entering uniqueness. The result does not assert physical equivalence between regular and polymer quantizations, it identifies where additional input, such as Hamiltonian dynamics, energy regularity, semiclassicality, or a continuum limit, is required to distinguish or select representations. In this precise sense, non-regular polymer kinematics are not excluded by finite Weyl data alone, a point of direct relevance to quantum-gravity motivated quantizations.

quant-pharXiv:2608.22001Physics Letters BAug 25, 20260 citations

Mathematical Aspects of Weyl Quantization and Phase

Daniel A. Dubin, Mark A. Hennings, T. B. Smith

WORLD SCIENTIFIC eBooksJan 1, 200031 citations

Quantization and Gauge Field

Pratul Bandyopadhyay

Springer eBooksJan 1, 19960 citations

Gauge-independent Wigner functions: General formulation

O. T. Serimaa, Juha Javanainen, Sándor Varró

We introduce a gauge-invariant Wigner operator (GIWO) and a gauge-independent Wigner function (GIWF) that allow for both quantized and classical electromagnetic fields. If only classical fields are present, a Weyl transform analogous to the one associated with ordinary Wigner functions can be defined for any operator; in the case of quantized fields this is at least possible for Weyl-ordered functions of the position and kinetic momentum operators. We show how the evolution of the operators having a Weyl transform can be followed with the aid of the GIWF defined as the Heisenberg-picture expectation value of the GIWO, and derive for the GIWO the Heisenberg equation of motion which only involves the physical electric and magnetic fields. Some aspects of the case of entirely classical fields are discussed in more detail. (i) The GIWF in conjunction with the postulate that physical observables can be measured without referring to the gauge permits a quantum-mechanical treatment of a full experimental run without the problem of relating the measured values to the gauge-dependent density operator. (ii) A closed equation of motion for the GIWF is obtained. (iii) In the dipole approximation quantum features of the dynamics are lost. (iv) Quantum corrections to dynamics are associated with recoil effects.We introduce a gauge-invariant Wigner operator (GIWO) and a gauge-independent Wigner function (GIWF) that allow for both quantized and classical electromagnetic fields. If only classical fields are present, a Weyl transform analogous to the one associated with ordinary Wigner functions can be defined for any operator; in the case of quantized fields this is at least possible for Weyl-ordered functions of the position and kinetic momentum operators. We show how the evolution of the operators having a Weyl transform can be followed with the aid of the GIWF defined as the Heisenberg-picture expectation value of the GIWO, and derive for the GIWO the Heisenberg equation of motion which only involves the physical electric and magnetic fields. Some aspects of the case of entirely classical fields are discussed in more detail. (i) The GIWF in conjunction with the postulate that physical observables can be measured without referring to the gauge permits a quantum-mechanical treatment of a full experimental run without the problem of relating the measured values to the gauge-dependent density operator. (ii) A closed equation of motion for the GIWF is obtained. (iii) In the dipole approximation quantum features of the dynamics are lost. (iv) Quantum corrections to dynamics are associated with recoil effects.

Physical Review AMay 1, 198682 citations

WEYL QUANTIZATION

WORLD SCIENTIFIC eBooksJun 1, 20000 citations

C_S

generated by a finitely generated subgroup of Weyl translations, but not the regularity of an extension to the full Weyl algebra. Using the polymer representation as a canonical non-regular representation, we prove that for every regular Weyl representation, every normal state, and every finite family of bounded protocol observables, a polymer state reproduces the same expectation values to arbitrary prescribed accuracy. Thus finite agreement with Schrödinger quantum mechanics does not operationally certify the regularity hypothesis entering uniqueness. The result does not assert physical equivalence between regular and polymer quantizations, it identifies where additional input, such as Hamiltonian dynamics, energy regularity, semiclassicality, or a continuum limit, is required to distinguish or select representations. In this precise sense, non-regular polymer kinematics are not excluded by finite Weyl data alone, a point of direct relevance to quantum-gravity motivated quantizations.