A symmetry is an equivalence of different physical situations, and is therefore strictly associated with the concept of invariance . One of the main aims of physics is the search in nature for symmetries and, therefore, for observables that are invariant under certain classes of transformation. In this context, it becomes particularly interesting to look for the conditions under which a certain symmetry is eventually broken. We have already discussed some symmetries of quantum mechanics: time translations (Ch. 3), space translations (Ch. 2) and rotations (Ch. 6). Another example of invariance is represented by the indistinguishability of identical particles, which we discussed in the previous chapter. Symmetries are induced by physical transformations that generate some invariant properties (see Sec. 8.1). In Sec. 8.2, the continuous transformations induced by rotations and space translations are analyzed, whereas in Sec. 8.3, space reflection and time reversal ( discrete symmetries) are discussed. As we shall see in the next chapter, time reversibility is lost in the measurement process. The rigorous mathematical framework of a theory of transformations and of their invariance is called group theory (the subject of Sec. 8.4). Quantum transformations and symmetries Active and passive transformations We have seen that time evolution may be represented either in the Schrödinger picture (state vectors evolve and observables are kept constant) or in the Heisenberg picture (states vectors remain constant and observables evolve) (see Subsec. 3.6.1 and Sec. 5.3).A symmetry is an equivalence of different physical situations, and is therefore strictly associated with the concept of invariance . One of the main aims of physics is the search in nature for symmetries and, therefore, for observables that are invariant under certain classes of transformation. In this context, it becomes particularly interesting to look for the conditions under which a certain symmetry is eventually broken. We have already discussed some symmetries of quantum mechanics: time translations (Ch. 3), space translations (Ch. 2) and rotations (Ch. 6). Another example of invariance is represented by the indistinguishability of identical particles, which we discussed in the previous chapter. Symmetries are induced by physical transformations that generate some invariant properties (see Sec. 8.1). In Sec. 8.2, the continuous transformations induced by rotations and space translations are analyzed, whereas in Sec. 8.3, space reflection and time reversal ( discrete symmetries) are discussed. As we shall see in the next chapter, time reversibility is lost in the measurement process. The rigorous mathematical framework of a theory of transformations and of their invariance is called group theory (the subject of Sec. 8.4). Quantum transformations and symmetries Active and passive transformations We have seen that time evolution may be represented either in the Schrödinger picture (state vectors evolve and observables are kept constant) or in the Heisenberg picture (states vectors remain constant and observables evolve) (see Subsec. 3.6.1 and Sec. 5.3).

Cambridge University Press eBooksApr 16, 20091 citation

Operational formulation of time reversal in quantum theory

Ognyan Oreshkov, Nicolas J. Cerf

arXiv:1507.07745Nature PhysicsJul 27, 201549 citations

Phase-space equilibrium distributions and their applications to spin systems with nonaxially symmetric Hamiltonians

Yuri P. Kalmykov, William T. Coffey, С. В. Титов

The Fourier series representation of the equilibrium quasiprobability density function ${W}_{S}(\ensuremath{\vartheta},\ensuremath{\varphi})$ or Wigner function of spin ``orientations'' for arbitrary spin Hamiltonians in a representation (phase) space of the polar angles $(\ensuremath{\vartheta},\ensuremath{\varphi})$ (analogous to the Wigner function for translational motion) arising from the generalized coherent state representation of the density operator is evaluated explicitly for some nonaxially symmetric problems including a uniaxial paramagnet in a transverse external field, a biaxial, and a cubic system. It is shown by generalizing transition state theory to spins [i.e., calculating the escape rate using the equilibrium density function ${W}_{S}(\ensuremath{\vartheta},\ensuremath{\varphi})$ only] that one may evaluate the reversal time of the magnetization. The quantum corrections to the transition state theory escape rate equation for classical magnetic dipoles appear both in the prefactor and in the exponential part of the escape rate and exhibit a marked dependence on the spin number. Furthermore, the phase-space representation allows us to estimate the switching field curves and/or surfaces for spin systems because quantum effects in these fields can be estimated via Thiaville's geometrical method [Phys. Rev. B 61, 12221 (2000)] for the study of the magnetization reversal of single-domain ferromagnetic particles. The calculation is accomplished (just as the determination of the equilibrium quasiprobability distributions in the phase space of the polar angles) by calculating switching field curves and/or surfaces using the Weyl symbol ( $c$ -number representation) of the Hamiltonian operator for given magnetocrystalline-Zeeman energy terms. Examples of such calculations for various spin systems are presented. Moreover, the reversal time of the magnetization allows us to estimate thermal effects on the switching fields for spin systems.The Fourier series representation of the equilibrium quasiprobability density function ${W}_{S}(\ensuremath{\vartheta},\ensuremath{\varphi})$ or Wigner function of spin ``orientations'' for arbitrary spin Hamiltonians in a representation (phase) space of the polar angles $(\ensuremath{\vartheta},\ensuremath{\varphi})$ (analogous to the Wigner function for translational motion) arising from the generalized coherent state representation of the density operator is evaluated explicitly for some nonaxially symmetric problems including a uniaxial paramagnet in a transverse external field, a biaxial, and a cubic system. It is shown by generalizing transition state theory to spins [i.e., calculating the escape rate using the equilibrium density function ${W}_{S}(\ensuremath{\vartheta},\ensuremath{\varphi})$ only] that one may evaluate the reversal time of the magnetization. The quantum corrections to the transition state theory escape rate equation for classical magnetic dipoles appear both in the prefactor and in the exponential part of the escape rate and exhibit a marked dependence on the spin number. Furthermore, the phase-space representation allows us to estimate the switching field curves and/or surfaces for spin systems because quantum effects in these fields can be estimated via Thiaville's geometrical method [Phys. Rev. B 61, 12221 (2000)] for the study of the magnetization reversal of single-domain ferromagnetic particles. The calculation is accomplished (just as the determination of the equilibrium quasiprobability distributions in the phase space of the polar angles) by calculating switching field curves and/or surfaces using the Weyl symbol ($c$-number representation) of the Hamiltonian operator for given magnetocrystalline-Zeeman energy terms. Examples of such calculations for various spin systems are presented. Moreover, the reversal time of the magnetization allows us to estimate thermal effects on the switching fields for spin systems.

Physical Review BMar 13, 200812 citations

Arrow of Time and Quantum Physics

Detlev Buchholz A, Klaus Fredenhagen

Abstract Based on the hypothesis that the (non-reversible) arrow of time is intrinsic in any system, no matter how small, the consequences are discussed. Within the framework of local quantum physics it is shown how such a semi-group action of time can consistently be extended to that of the group of spacetime translations in Minkowski space. In presence of massless excitations, however, there arise ambiguities in the theoretical extensions of the time translations to the past. The corresponding loss of quantum information on states upon time is determined. Finally, it is explained how the description of operations in classical terms combined with constraints imposed by the arrow of time leads to a quantum theoretical framework. These results suggest that the arrow of time is fundamental in nature and not merely a consequence of statistical effects on which the Second Law is based.Abstract Based on the hypothesis that the (non-reversible) arrow of time is intrinsic in any system, no matter how small, the consequences are discussed. Within the framework of local quantum physics it is shown how such a semi-group action of time can consistently be extended to that of the group of spacetime translations in Minkowski space. In presence of massless excitations, however, there arise ambiguities in the theoretical extensions of the time translations to the past. The corresponding loss of quantum information on states upon time is determined. Finally, it is explained how the description of operations in classical terms combined with constraints imposed by the arrow of time leads to a quantum theoretical framework. These results suggest that the arrow of time is fundamental in nature and not merely a consequence of statistical effects on which the Second Law is based.

arXiv:2305.11709Foundations of PhysicsSep 21, 20234 citations

Time in Quantum Theory

H. D. Zeh

The concept of time as used in various applications and interpretations of quantum theory is briefly reviewed.

arXiv:0705.4638May 31, 20072 citations

c

-number representation) of the Hamiltonian operator for given magnetocrystalline-Zeeman energy terms. Examples of such calculations for various spin systems are presented. Moreover, the reversal time of the magnetization allows us to estimate thermal effects on the switching fields for spin systems.