The necessity of complex numbers in quantum mechanics has long been debated. This paper develops a real Kahler space formulation of quantum mechanics [19], asserting equivalence to the standard complex Hilbert space framework. By mapping the complex Hilbert space ${\mathbb C}^n$ to a real Kahler space $K ^{2n}$ , i.e. ${\mathbb R}^{2n}$ equipped with a metric, a symplectic structure and an automorphism, we establish a correspondence between Hermitian operators in ${\mathbb C}^n$ and real operators in $K^{2n}$ . While the isomorphism appears straightforward some subtleties emerge: (i) the overcounting of composite system states under tensor products in ${\mathbb R}^{2n}$ , and (ii) the double degeneracy of operator spectra in the real formulation. Through a systematic investigation of these challenges, we clarify the structural relationship between real and complex formulations, resolve ambiguities in composite system representations, and analyze spectral consequences. Our results reaffirm the equivalence of the two frameworks while highlighting nuanced distinctions with implications for foundational debates on locality, phase invariance, and the role of complex numbers in quantum theory.The necessity of complex numbers in quantum mechanics has long been debated. This paper develops a real Kahler space formulation of quantum mechanics [19], asserting equivalence to the standard complex Hilbert space framework. By mapping the complex Hilbert space ${\mathbb C}^n$ to a real Kahler space $K ^{2n}$, i.e. ${\mathbb R}^{2n}$ equipped with a metric, a symplectic structure and an automorphism, we establish a correspondence between Hermitian operators in ${\mathbb C}^n$ and real operators in $K^{2n}$. While the isomorphism appears straightforward some subtleties emerge: (i) the overcounting of composite system states under tensor products in ${\mathbb R}^{2n}$, and (ii) the double degeneracy of operator spectra in the real formulation. Through a systematic investigation of these challenges, we clarify the structural relationship between real and complex formulations, resolve ambiguities in composite system representations, and analyze spectral consequences. Our results reaffirm the equivalence of the two frameworks while highlighting nuanced distinctions with implications for foundational debates on locality, phase invariance, and the role of complex numbers in quantum theory.

arXiv:2506.07632Jun 9, 20250 citations

Quantum Mechanics of Large Systems

Walter E Thirring, Evans M. Harrell

Apr 1, 1983107 citations

Time evolution of the complexity in chaotic systems: a concrete example

Run-Qiu Yang, Keun-young Kim A

Abstract We investigate the time evolution of the complexity of the operator by the Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev (SYK) model with N Majorana fermions. We follow Nielsen’s idea of complexity geometry and geodesics thereof. We show that it is possible that the bi- invariant complexity geometry can exhibit the conjectured time evolution of the complexity in chaotic systems: i) linear growth until t ∼ e N , ii) saturation and small fluctuations after then. We also show that the Lloyd’s bound is realized in this model. Interestingly, these characteristic features appear only if the complexity geometry is the most natural “non-Riemannian” Finsler geometry. This serves as a concrete example showing that the bi-invariant complexity may be a competitive candidate for the complexity in quantum mechanics/field theory (QM/QFT). We provide another argument showing a naturalness of bi-invariant complexity in QM/QFT. That is that the bi-invariance naturally implies the equivalence of the right-invariant complexity and left-invariant complexity, either of which may correspond to the complexity of a given operator. Without bi-invariance, one needs to answer why only right (left) invariant complexity corresponds to the “complexity”, instead of only left (right) invariant complexity.Abstract We investigate the time evolution of the complexity of the operator by the Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev (SYK) model with N Majorana fermions. We follow Nielsen’s idea of complexity geometry and geodesics thereof. We show that it is possible that the bi- invariant complexity geometry can exhibit the conjectured time evolution of the complexity in chaotic systems: i) linear growth until t ∼ e N , ii) saturation and small fluctuations after then. We also show that the Lloyd’s bound is realized in this model. Interestingly, these characteristic features appear only if the complexity geometry is the most natural “non-Riemannian” Finsler geometry. This serves as a concrete example showing that the bi-invariant complexity may be a competitive candidate for the complexity in quantum mechanics/field theory (QM/QFT). We provide another argument showing a naturalness of bi-invariant complexity in QM/QFT. That is that the bi-invariance naturally implies the equivalence of the right-invariant complexity and left-invariant complexity, either of which may correspond to the complexity of a given operator. Without bi-invariance, one needs to answer why only right (left) invariant complexity corresponds to the “complexity”, instead of only left (right) invariant complexity.

arXiv:1906.02052Journal of High Energy PhysicsMay 11, 202036 citations

Quantum mechanics of open systems

Akakii Melikidze

Jan 1, 20018 citations

Transformation of complex diffusion processes and nonrelativistic quantum mechanics. - II

Bernard H. Lavenda, Enrico Santamato

Lettere al nuovo cimento della societa italiana di fisica/Lettere al nuovo cimentoJul 1, 19802 citations

{\mathbb C}^n

to a real Kahler space

K ^{2n}

, i.e.

{\mathbb R}^{2n}

equipped with a metric, a symplectic structure and an automorphism, we establish a correspondence between Hermitian operators in

{\mathbb C}^n

and real operators in

K^{2n}

. While the isomorphism appears straightforward some subtleties emerge: (i) the overcounting of composite system states under tensor products in

{\mathbb R}^{2n}

, and (ii) the double degeneracy of operator spectra in the real formulation. Through a systematic investigation of these challenges, we clarify the structural relationship between real and complex formulations, resolve ambiguities in composite system representations, and analyze spectral consequences. Our results reaffirm the equivalence of the two frameworks while highlighting nuanced distinctions with implications for foundational debates on locality, phase invariance, and the role of complex numbers in quantum theory.