On an Algebraic Generalization of the Quantum Mechanical Formalism

J. Gunson

Yu Peng Tian

A "minimal" generalization of Quantum Mechanics is proposed, where the Lagrangian or the action functional is a mapping from the (classical) states of a system to the Lie algebra of a general compact Lie group, and the wave function takes values in the corresponding group algebra. This formalism admits a probability interpretation and a suitable dynamics, but has no obvious classical correspondence. Allowing the Lagrangian or the action functional to take values in a general Lie algebra instead of only the real number field (actually the u(1) algebra) enlarges the extent of possible physical laws that can describe the real world. The generalized quantum dynamics of a point particle in a background gauge field is given as an example, which realizes the gauge invariance by a Wilson line structure and shows that some Schrodinger-like equation can be deduced within this formalism. Some possible developments of this formalism are also discussed.

P. Jordan, J. v. Neumann, Eugene Paul Wigner

One of us has shown that the statistical properties of the measurements of a quantum mechanical system assume their simplest form when expressed in terms of a certain hypercomplex algebra which is commutative but not associative.1 This algebra differs from the non-commutative but associative matrix algebra usually considered in that one is concerned with the commutative expression ½(A × B + B × A) instead of the associative product A × B of two matrices. It was conjectured that the laws of this commutative algebra would form a suitable starting point for a generalization of the present quantum mechanical theory. The need of such a generalization arises from the (probably) fundamental difficulties resulting when one attempts to apply quantum mechanics to questions in relativistic and nuclear phenomena.

P. Jordan

Ajit Kumar

Thomas F. Jordan, E. C. G. Sudarshan

General structural features of dynamical theories can be exhibited in relations between classical and quantum mechanics; the essential structure is a Lie algebra of basic dynamical-variable fanctions providing transformationgroup infinitesimal generators. It is shown that the particular representation chosen is not important for the dynamical structure analysis by considering possibilities of transcribing classical and quantum mechanics each into the natural representation of the other. This leads to an outlining of the formal theory of generalized dynamics by constructing a class of Lie algebras including those of classical and quantum mechanics as special cases. (L.N.N.)