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arXiv:cond-mat/0208191

QUANTUM MECHANICS, PATH INTEGRALS AND OPTION PRICING: REDUCING THE COMPLEXITY OF FINANCE

Belal Ehsan Baaquie, Claudio Corianò A, Srikant Marakani

Published Apr 1, 2003• 29 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

Quantum Finance represents the synthesis of the techniques of quantum theory (quantum mechanics and quantum field theory) to theoretical and applied finance. After a brief overview of the connection between these fields, we illustrate some of the methods of lattice simulations of path integrals for the pricing of options. The ideas are sketched out for simple models, such as the Black-Scholes model, where analytical and numerical results are compared. Application of the method to nonlinear systems is also briefly overviewed. More general models, for exotic or path-dependent options are discussed.

DOI
10.1142/9789812704467_0046

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Synopsis

Belal Ehsan Baaquie

Two underlying themes run through this book: first, defining and analyzing the subject of quantitative finance in the conceptual and mathematical framework of quantum theory, with special emphasis on its path-integral formulation, and, second, the introduction of the techniques and methodology of quantum field theory in the study of interest rates. No attempt is made to apply quantum theory in re-working the fundamental principles of finance. Instead, the term ‘quantum’ refers to the abstract mathematical constructs of quantum theory that include probability theory, state space, operators, Hamiltonians, commutation equations, Lagrangians, path integrals, quantized fields, bosons, fermions and so on. All these theoretical structures find natural and useful applications in finance. The path integral and Hamiltonian formulations of (random) quantum processes have been given special emphasis since they are equivalent to, as well as independent of, the formalism of stochastic calculus – which currently is one of the cornerstones of mathematical finance. The starting point for the application of path integrals and Hamiltonians in finance is in stock option pricing. Path integrals are subsequently applied to the modelling of linear and nonlinear theories of interest rates as a two-dimensional quantum field, something that is beyond the scope of stochastic calculus. Path integrals have the additional advantage of providing a framework for efficiently implementing the mathematical procedure of renormalization which is necessary in the study of nonlinear quantum field theories. The term ‘Quantum Finance’ represents the synthesis of the concepts, methods and mathematics of quantum theory, with the field of theoretical and applied finance.

Cambridge University Press eBooks•Nov 15, 2004•0 citations

Hamiltonians and stock options

Belal Ehsan Baaquie

In this chapter the concept of the Hamiltonian is introduced in the pricing of options. Hamiltonians occur naturally in finance; to demonstrate this the analysis of the Black–Scholes equation is recast in the formalism of quantum mechanics. It is then shown how the Hamiltonian plays a central role in the general theory of option pricing. The Hamiltonian formulation provides new tools for obtaining solutions for option pricing; two key concepts related to the Hamiltonian are (a) eigenfunctions and (b) potentials. Knowledge of all the eigenfunctions of a Hamiltonian yields an exact solution for a large class of path-dependent and path-independent options. For example, barrier options can be modelled by placing constraints on the eigenfunctions of the Hamiltonian. The potentials are a means for defining new financial instruments, and for modelling path-dependent options. Essentials of quantum mechanics It is shown in this chapter that option pricing in finance has a mathematical description that is identical to a quantum system; hence the key features of quantum theory are briefly reviewed. Quantum theory is a vast subject that forms the bedrock of contemporary physics, chemistry and biology. Only those aspects of quantum mechanics are reviewed that are relevant for the analysis of option pricing. In classical mechanics the position of a particle at time t , denoted by x t , is a deterministic function of t , and is given by Newton's law of motion. Classical mechanics is analogous to the case of the evolution of a stock price with zero volatility (σ = 0) that yields a deterministic evolution of the stock price.

Cambridge University Press eBooks•Nov 15, 2004•0 citations

Quantum mechanics approach to option pricing

Wenyan Hao

Options are financial derivatives on an underlying security. The Schrodinger and\nHeisenberg approach to the quantum mechanics together with the Dirac matrix\napproaches are applied to derive the Black-Scholes formula and the quantum Cox-\nRubinstein formula.\nThe quantum mechanics approach to option pricing is based on the interpretation\nof the option price as the Schrodinger wave function of a certain quantum mechanics\nmodel determined by Hamiltonian H. We apply this approach to continuous\ntime market models generated by Levy processes.\nIn the discrete time formulization, we construct both self-adjoint and non selfadjoint\nquantum market. Moreover, we apply the discrete time formulization\nand analyse the quantum version of the Cox-Ross-Rubinstein Binomial Model.\nWe find the limit of the N-period bond market, which convergences to planar\nBrownian motion and then we made an application to option pricing in planar\nBrownian motion compared with Levy models by Fourier techniques and Monte\nCarlo method.\nFurthermore, we analyse the quantum conditional option price and compare for\nthe conditional option pricing in the quantum formulization. Additionally, we\nestablish the limit of the spectral measures proving the convergence to the geometric\nBrownian motion model. Finally, we found Binomial Model formula and\nPath integral formulization gave are close to the Black-Scholes formula.

•Oct 2, 2018•0 citations

Quantum Finance: Path Integrals and Hamiltonians for Options and Interest Rates

Belal Ehsan Baaquie

Foreword Preface Acknowledgements 1. Synopsis Part I. Fundamental Concepts of Finance: 2. Introduction to finance 3. Derivative securities Part II. Systems with Finite Number of Degrees of Freedom: 4. Hamiltonians and stock options 5. Path integrals and stock options 6. Stochastic interest rates' Hamiltonians and path integrals Part III. Quantum Field Theory of Interest Rates Models: 7. Quantum field theory of forward interest rates 8. Empirical forward interest rates and field theory models 9. Field theory of Treasury Bonds' derivatives and hedging 10. Field theory Hamiltonian of forward interest rates 11. Conclusions Appendix A: mathematical background Brief glossary of financial terms Brief glossary of physics terms List of main symbols References Index.

•Jan 1, 2004•227 citations

Quantum Finance

Belal Ehsan Baaquie

This book applies the mathematics and concepts of quantum mechanics and quantum field theory to the modelling of interest rates and the theory of options. Particular emphasis is placed on path integrals and Hamiltonians. Financial mathematics is dominated by stochastic calculus. The present book offers a formulation that is completely independent of that approach. As such many results emerge from the ideas developed by the author. This work will be of interest to physicists and mathematicians working in the field of finance, to quantitative analysts in banks and finance firms and to practitioners in the field of fixed income securities and foreign exchange. The book can also be used as a graduate text for courses in financial physics and financial mathematics.

Cambridge University Press eBooks•Nov 15, 2004•225 citations

Quantum Model Of Option Pricing: When Black–Scholes Meets Schrödinger And Its Semi-Classical Limit, Black–Scholes Option Pricing Model In A More General Quantum Physics Setting, Perfect Market Equilibrium State Postulated By The Black–Scholes Model Repres

K.N.P. Kumar

Following system is investigated with its corresponding properties in detail: A Quantum Model Of Option Pricing: When Black–Scholes Meets Schrödinger And Its Semi-Classical Limit, Black–Scholes Option Pricing Model In A More General Quantum Physics Setting, Perfect Market Equilibrium State Postulated By The Black–Scholes Model Represents A Particular Case., Controlled Markov Processes And Mathematical Finance, Controlled Markov Processes And Mathematical Finance, Dynamic Optimization And Its Relation To Classical And Quantum Constrained Systems, Consistency Relation, Inter-Occurrence Times And Universal Laws In Finance, Earthquakes And Genomes, Quantum Cognition Beyond Hilbert Space Ii, Quantum Master Equation For Long-Term Prognosis.. The full paper: http://www.iiste.org/PDFshare/APTA-PAGENO-654991-661307.pdf

Advances in physics theories and applications•Jan 1, 2013•0 citations
Quantum Finance represents the synthesis of the techniques of quantum theory (quantum mechanics and quantum field theory) to theoretical and applied finance. After a brief overview of the connection between these fields, we illustrate some of the methods of lattice simulations of path integrals for the pricing of options. The ideas are sketched out for simple models, such as the Black-Scholes model, where analytical and numerical results are compared. Application of the method to nonlinear systems is also briefly overviewed. More general models, for exotic or path-dependent options are discussed.
Two underlying themes run through this book: first, defining and analyzing the subject of quantitative finance in the conceptual and mathematical framework of quantum theory, with special emphasis on its path-integral formulation, and, second, the introduction of the techniques and methodology of quantum field theory in the study of interest rates. No attempt is made to apply quantum theory in re-working the fundamental principles of finance. Instead, the term ‘quantum’ refers to the abstract mathematical constructs of quantum theory that include probability theory, state space, operators, Hamiltonians, commutation equations, Lagrangians, path integrals, quantized fields, bosons, fermions and so on. All these theoretical structures find natural and useful applications in finance. The path integral and Hamiltonian formulations of (random) quantum processes have been given special emphasis since they are equivalent to, as well as independent of, the formalism of stochastic calculus – which currently is one of the cornerstones of mathematical finance. The starting point for the application of path integrals and Hamiltonians in finance is in stock option pricing. Path integrals are subsequently applied to the modelling of linear and nonlinear theories of interest rates as a two-dimensional quantum field, something that is beyond the scope of stochastic calculus. Path integrals have the additional advantage of providing a framework for efficiently implementing the mathematical procedure of renormalization which is necessary in the study of nonlinear quantum field theories. The term ‘Quantum Finance’ represents the synthesis of the concepts, methods and mathematics of quantum theory, with the field of theoretical and applied finance.
In this chapter the concept of the Hamiltonian is introduced in the pricing of options. Hamiltonians occur naturally in finance; to demonstrate this the analysis of the Black–Scholes equation is recast in the formalism of quantum mechanics. It is then shown how the Hamiltonian plays a central role in the general theory of option pricing. The Hamiltonian formulation provides new tools for obtaining solutions for option pricing; two key concepts related to the Hamiltonian are (a) eigenfunctions and (b) potentials. Knowledge of all the eigenfunctions of a Hamiltonian yields an exact solution for a large class of path-dependent and path-independent options. For example, barrier options can be modelled by placing constraints on the eigenfunctions of the Hamiltonian. The potentials are a means for defining new financial instruments, and for modelling path-dependent options. Essentials of quantum mechanics It is shown in this chapter that option pricing in finance has a mathematical description that is identical to a quantum system; hence the key features of quantum theory are briefly reviewed. Quantum theory is a vast subject that forms the bedrock of contemporary physics, chemistry and biology. Only those aspects of quantum mechanics are reviewed that are relevant for the analysis of option pricing. In classical mechanics the position of a particle at time t , denoted by x t , is a deterministic function of t , and is given by Newton's law of motion. Classical mechanics is analogous to the case of the evolution of a stock price with zero volatility (σ = 0) that yields a deterministic evolution of the stock price.
Options are financial derivatives on an underlying security. The Schrodinger and\nHeisenberg approach to the quantum mechanics together with the Dirac matrix\napproaches are applied to derive the Black-Scholes formula and the quantum Cox-\nRubinstein formula.\nThe quantum mechanics approach to option pricing is based on the interpretation\nof the option price as the Schrodinger wave function of a certain quantum mechanics\nmodel determined by Hamiltonian H. We apply this approach to continuous\ntime market models generated by Levy processes.\nIn the discrete time formulization, we construct both self-adjoint and non selfadjoint\nquantum market. Moreover, we apply the discrete time formulization\nand analyse the quantum version of the Cox-Ross-Rubinstein Binomial Model.\nWe find the limit of the N-period bond market, which convergences to planar\nBrownian motion and then we made an application to option pricing in planar\nBrownian motion compared with Levy models by Fourier techniques and Monte\nCarlo method.\nFurthermore, we analyse the quantum conditional option price and compare for\nthe conditional option pricing in the quantum formulization. Additionally, we\nestablish the limit of the spectral measures proving the convergence to the geometric\nBrownian motion model. Finally, we found Binomial Model formula and\nPath integral formulization gave are close to the Black-Scholes formula.
Foreword Preface Acknowledgements 1. Synopsis Part I. Fundamental Concepts of Finance: 2. Introduction to finance 3. Derivative securities Part II. Systems with Finite Number of Degrees of Freedom: 4. Hamiltonians and stock options 5. Path integrals and stock options 6. Stochastic interest rates' Hamiltonians and path integrals Part III. Quantum Field Theory of Interest Rates Models: 7. Quantum field theory of forward interest rates 8. Empirical forward interest rates and field theory models 9. Field theory of Treasury Bonds' derivatives and hedging 10. Field theory Hamiltonian of forward interest rates 11. Conclusions Appendix A: mathematical background Brief glossary of financial terms Brief glossary of physics terms List of main symbols References Index.
This book applies the mathematics and concepts of quantum mechanics and quantum field theory to the modelling of interest rates and the theory of options. Particular emphasis is placed on path integrals and Hamiltonians. Financial mathematics is dominated by stochastic calculus. The present book offers a formulation that is completely independent of that approach. As such many results emerge from the ideas developed by the author. This work will be of interest to physicists and mathematicians working in the field of finance, to quantitative analysts in banks and finance firms and to practitioners in the field of fixed income securities and foreign exchange. The book can also be used as a graduate text for courses in financial physics and financial mathematics.
Following system is investigated with its corresponding properties in detail: A Quantum Model Of Option Pricing: When Black–Scholes Meets Schrödinger And Its Semi-Classical Limit, Black–Scholes Option Pricing Model In A More General Quantum Physics Setting, Perfect Market Equilibrium State Postulated By The Black–Scholes Model Represents A Particular Case., Controlled Markov Processes And Mathematical Finance, Controlled Markov Processes And Mathematical Finance, Dynamic Optimization And Its Relation To Classical And Quantum Constrained Systems, Consistency Relation, Inter-Occurrence Times And Universal Laws In Finance, Earthquakes And Genomes, Quantum Cognition Beyond Hilbert Space Ii, Quantum Master Equation For Long-Term Prognosis.. The full paper: http://www.iiste.org/PDFshare/APTA-PAGENO-654991-661307.pdf