This paper presents a new Symmetrical Theory (ST) of nonrelativistic quantum mechanics which postulates: quantum mechanics is a theory about complete experiments, not particles; a complete experiment is maximally described by a complex transition amplitude density; and this transition amplitude density never collapses. This new ST is compared to the Conventional Theory (CT) of nonrelativistic quantum mechanics for the analysis of a beam-splitter experiment. The ST makes several experimentally testable predictions that differ from the CT, which can be checked using existing technology. The ST also solves one part of the CT measurement problem, and resolves some of the paradoxes of the CT. This nonrelativistic ST is the low energy limit of a relativistic ST presented in an earlier paper \cite{Heaney1}.This paper presents a new Symmetrical Theory (ST) of nonrelativistic quantum mechanics which postulates: quantum mechanics is a theory about complete experiments, not particles; a complete experiment is maximally described by a complex transition amplitude density; and this transition amplitude density never collapses. This new ST is compared to the Conventional Theory (CT) of nonrelativistic quantum mechanics for the analysis of a beam-splitter experiment. The ST makes several experimentally testable predictions that differ from the CT, which can be checked using existing technology. The ST also solves one part of the CT measurement problem, and resolves some of the paradoxes of the CT. This nonrelativistic ST is the low energy limit of a relativistic ST presented in an earlier paper \cite{Heaney1}.

arXiv:1310.5348Oct 20, 20135 citations

Classical Quantum Theory

James Paul Wesley

Jul 1, 199622 citations

The Hamilton-Jacobi theory and the analogy between classical andquantum mechanics

Giuseppe Marmo, Giuseppe Morandi, Narasimhaiengar Mukunda

We review here some conventional as well as less conventional aspects of the time-independent and time-dependent Hamilton-Jacobi ( $HJ$ ) theory and of its connections with Quantum Mechanics. Less conventional aspects involve the $HJ$ theory on the tangent bundle of a configuration manifold, the quantum $HJ$ theory, $HJ$ problems for general differential operators and the $HJ$ problem for Lie groups.We review here some conventional as well as less conventional aspects of the time-independent and time-dependent Hamilton-Jacobi ($HJ$) theory and of its connections with Quantum Mechanics. Less conventional aspects involve the $HJ$ theory on the tangent bundle of a configuration manifold, the quantum $HJ$ theory, $HJ$ problems for general differential operators and the $HJ$ problem for Lie groups.

arXiv:0907.0964The Journal of Geometric MechanicsJan 1, 200918 citations

Through scattering theory with gun and camera: Coping with conventions in collision theory

Michael A. Morrison, Andrew N. Feldt

Four ambiguities are inherent in time-independent quantum-mechanical scattering theory: two in the normalization of continuum functions, and two in the relation between various scattering matrices. These ambiguities allow the use of different conventions in scattering theory. This freedom has led to inconsistencies among textbooks, monographs, review articles, and research papers. We identify these ambiguities, indicate their context and origin in scattering theory, give the key equations of scattering theory in a form that can by adapted to any convention, and show interrelations between these equations that can lead to confusion and error. We also give several diagnostic approaches for determining the conventions used in a particular source, and reference conventions adopted in widely used books on scattering theory.Four ambiguities are inherent in time-independent quantum-mechanical scattering theory: two in the normalization of continuum functions, and two in the relation between various scattering matrices. These ambiguities allow the use of different conventions in scattering theory. This freedom has led to inconsistencies among textbooks, monographs, review articles, and research papers. We identify these ambiguities, indicate their context and origin in scattering theory, give the key equations of scattering theory in a form that can by adapted to any convention, and show interrelations between these equations that can lead to confusion and error. We also give several diagnostic approaches for determining the conventions used in a particular source, and reference conventions adopted in widely used books on scattering theory.

American Journal of PhysicsDec 13, 200611 citations

Alternatives to Traditional Quantum Theory

University of Notre Dame Press eBooksFeb 28, 20030 citations

We review here some conventional as well as less conventional aspects of the time-independent and time-dependent Hamilton-Jacobi (

HJ

) theory and of its connections with Quantum Mechanics. Less conventional aspects involve the

HJ

theory on the tangent bundle of a configuration manifold, the quantum

HJ

theory,

HJ

problems for general differential operators and the

HJ

problem for Lie groups.