Contributions to the formulation of Non-relativistic Quantum Mechanics in arbitrary coordinates

Non-relativistic quantum mechanics is formulated here in a different way. It is, however, mathematically equivalent to the familiar formulation. In quantum mechanics the probability of an event which can happen in several different ways is the absolute square of a sum of complex contributions, one from each alternative way. The probability that a particle will be found to have a path $x(t)$ lying somewhere within a region of space time is the square of a sum of contributions, one from each path in the region. The contribution from a single path is postulated to be an exponential whose (imaginary) phase is the classical action (in units of $\ensuremath{\hbar}$) for the path in question. The total contribution from all paths reaching $x$ , $t$ from the past is the wave function $\ensuremath{\psi}(x, t)$. This is shown to satisfy Schroedinger's equation. The relation to matrix and operator algebra is discussed. Applications are indicated, in particular to eliminate the coordinates of the field oscillators from the equations of quantum electrodynamics.Non-relativistic quantum mechanics is formulated here in a different way. It is, however, mathematically equivalent to the familiar formulation. In quantum mechanics the probability of an event which can happen in several different ways is the absolute square of a sum of complex contributions, one from each alternative way. The probability that a particle will be found to have a path $x(t)$ lying somewhere within a region of space time is the square of a sum of contributions, one from each path in the region. The contribution from a single path is postulated to be an exponential whose (imaginary) phase is the classical action (in units of $\ensuremath{\hbar}$) for the path in question. The total contribution from all paths reaching $x$, $t$ from the past is the wave function $\ensuremath{\psi}(x, t)$. This is shown to satisfy Schroedinger's equation. The relation to matrix and operator algebra is discussed. Applications are indicated, in particular to eliminate the coordinates of the field oscillators from the equations of quantum electrodynamics.

Reviews of Modern PhysicsApr 1, 19484,275 citations

ELEMENTARY REMARKS ABOUT THE TIME, MASS AND RELATIVISTIC DYNAMICS OF QUANTUM SYSTEMS

I. Lazanu

One of the most profound and difficult problems of physics in the last century is the construction of a simple theory which unites the ideas of quantum mechanics and relativity. The concepts which are used in quantum mechanics related to the measurements of positions, momenta, energy and time, are the same concepts in terms of which the special relativistic postulates are formulated. Hence, it is at least possible to formulate the requirement of special relativistic invariance for quantum theories and to ascertain whether these requirements are satisfied. The fact that the answer is nearer to no than to yes, that quantum mechanics has not yet been fully adjusted to the postulates of the special theory, is perhaps irritating. In the general theory of relativity, the situation is different: the space-time coordinates are only auxiliary quantities to which arbitrary values for every event could be given. Hence, the measurement of position, that is, of the space coordin ates, is certainly not a significant measurement if the postulates of the general theory are adopted: any arbitrary value can be given to the coordinates. The same holds for momenta. The purpose of this brief paper is to make in principle some personal and particular remarks on the fundamental concepts of time and mass. Some comments about the consequences on the relativistic dynamics of quantum systems are also formulated.One of the most profound and difficult problems of physics in the last century is the construction of a simple theory which unites the ideas of quantum mechanics and relativity. The concepts which are used in quantum mechanics related to the measurements of positions, momenta, energy and time, are the same concepts in terms of which the special relativistic postulates are formulated. Hence, it is at least possible to formulate the requirement of special relativistic invariance for quantum theories and to ascertain whether these requirements are satisfied. The fact that the answer is nearer to no than to yes, that quantum mechanics has not yet been fully adjusted to the postulates of the special theory, is perhaps irritating. In the general theory of relativity, the situation is different: the space-time coordinates are only auxiliary quantities to which arbitrary values for every event could be given. Hence, the measurement of position, that is, of the space coordin ates, is certainly not a significant measurement if the postulates of the general theory are adopted: any arbitrary value can be given to the coordinates. The same holds for momenta. The purpose of this brief paper is to make in principle some personal and particular remarks on the fundamental concepts of time and mass. Some comments about the consequences on the relativistic dynamics of quantum systems are also formulated.

Jan 1, 20031 citation

x(t)

lying somewhere within a region of space time is the square of a sum of contributions, one from each path in the region. The contribution from a single path is postulated to be an exponential whose (imaginary) phase is the classical action (in units of $\ensuremath{\hbar}$) for the path in question. The total contribution from all paths reaching

x

t

from the past is the wave function $\ensuremath{\psi}(x, t)$. This is shown to satisfy Schroedinger's equation. The relation to matrix and operator algebra is discussed. Applications are indicated, in particular to eliminate the coordinates of the field oscillators from the equations of quantum electrodynamics.