We discuss questions pertaining to the definition of 'momentum', 'momentum space', 'phase space' and 'Wigner distributions'; for finite dimensional quantum systems. For such systems, where traditional concepts of 'momenta' established for continuum situations offer little help, we propose a physically reasonable and mathematically tangible definition and use it for the purpose of setting up Wigner distributions in a purely algebraic manner. It is found that the point of view adopted here is limited to odd dimensional systems only. The mathematical reasons which force this situation axe examined in detail.We discuss questions pertaining to the definition of 'momentum', 'momentum space', 'phase space' and 'Wigner distributions'; for finite dimensional quantum systems. For such systems, where traditional concepts of 'momenta' established for continuum situations offer little help, we propose a physically reasonable and mathematically tangible definition and use it for the purpose of setting up Wigner distributions in a purely algebraic manner. It is found that the point of view adopted here is limited to odd dimensional systems only. The mathematical reasons which force this situation axe examined in detail.

Jul 11, 200519 citations

Density Matrices and Wigner Functions of Quasiclassical Quantum Systems

V. V. Dodonov, Vladimir I. Man’ko

Moscow Izdatel NaukaJan 1, 19867 citations

FINITE SYSTEMS ON PHASE SPACE

Kurt Bernardo Wolf

This contribution summarizes work on finite, non-cyclic Hamiltonian systems —in particular the one-dimensional finite oscillator—, in conjunction with a Lie algebraic definition of the (meta-) phase space of finite systems, and a corresponding Wigner distribution function for the state vectors. The consistency of this approach is important for the strategy of fractionalization of a finite Fourier transform, and the contraction of finite unitary to continuous symplectic transformations of Hamiltonian systems.This contribution summarizes work on finite, non-cyclic Hamiltonian systems —in particular the one-dimensional finite oscillator—, in conjunction with a Lie algebraic definition of the (meta-) phase space of finite systems, and a corresponding Wigner distribution function for the state vectors. The consistency of this approach is important for the strategy of fractionalization of a finite Fourier transform, and the contraction of finite unitary to continuous symplectic transformations of Hamiltonian systems.

International Journal of Modern Physics BMay 20, 20062 citations

Properties of Wigner distribution functions applied to quantum mechanics

A V Gorbachev

Вестник Российского университета дружбы народов. Серия: Математика, информатика, физикаJan 1, 20120 citations

Finite-dimensional Schwinger basis, deformed symmetries, Wigner function, and an algebraic approach to quantum phase

Tugrul Hakioglu

Schwinger's finite (D) dimensional periodic Hilbert space representations are studied on the toroidal lattice ${\\ee Z}_{D} \\times {\\ee Z}_{D}$ with specific emphasis on the deformed oscillator subalgebras and the generalized representations of the Wigner function. These subalgebras are shown to be admissible endowed with the non-negative norm of Hilbert space vectors. Hence, they provide the desired canonical basis for the algebraic formulation of the quantum phase problem. Certain equivalence classes in the space of labels are identified within each subalgebra, and connections with area-preserving canonical transformations are examined. The generalized representations of the Wigner function are examined in the finite-dimensional cyclic Schwinger basis. These representations are shown to conform to all fundamental conditions of the generalized phase space Wigner distribution. As a specific application of the Schwinger basis, the number-phase unitary operator pair in ${\\ee Z}_{D} \\times q-oscillator subalgebra, an {\\it algebraic} approach to the unitary quantum phase operator is established. This being the focus of this work, connections with the Susskind-Glogower- Carruthers-Nieto phase operator formalism as well as standard action-angle Wigner function formalisms are examined in the infinite-period limit. The concept of continuously shifted Fock basis is introduced to facilitate the Fock space representations of the Wigner function.Schwinger's finite (D) dimensional periodic Hilbert space representations are studied on the toroidal lattice ${\\ee Z}_{D} \\times {\\ee Z}_{D}$ with specific emphasis on the deformed oscillator subalgebras and the generalized representations of the Wigner function. These subalgebras are shown to be admissible endowed with the non-negative norm of Hilbert space vectors. Hence, they provide the desired canonical basis for the algebraic formulation of the quantum phase problem. Certain equivalence classes in the space of labels are identified within each subalgebra, and connections with area-preserving canonical transformations are examined. The generalized representations of the Wigner function are examined in the finite-dimensional cyclic Schwinger basis. These representations are shown to conform to all fundamental conditions of the generalized phase space Wigner distribution. As a specific application of the Schwinger basis, the number-phase unitary operator pair in ${\\ee Z}_{D} \\times q-oscillator subalgebra, an {\\it algebraic} approach to the unitary quantum phase operator is established. This being the focus of this work, connections with the Susskind-Glogower- Carruthers-Nieto phase operator formalism as well as standard action-angle Wigner function formalisms are examined in the infinite-period limit. The concept of continuously shifted Fock basis is introduced to facilitate the Fock space representations of the Wigner function.

Jan 1, 199826 citations

Schwinger's finite (D) dimensional periodic Hilbert space representations are studied on the toroidal lattice

{\\ee Z}_{D} \\times {\\ee Z}_{D}

with specific emphasis on the deformed oscillator subalgebras and the generalized representations of the Wigner function. These subalgebras are shown to be admissible endowed with the non-negative norm of Hilbert space vectors. Hence, they provide the desired canonical basis for the algebraic formulation of the quantum phase problem. Certain equivalence classes in the space of labels are identified within each subalgebra, and connections with area-preserving canonical transformations are examined. The generalized representations of the Wigner function are examined in the finite-dimensional cyclic Schwinger basis. These representations are shown to conform to all fundamental conditions of the generalized phase space Wigner distribution. As a specific application of the Schwinger basis, the number-phase unitary operator pair in ${\\ee Z}_{D} \\times q-oscillator subalgebra, an {\\it algebraic} approach to the unitary quantum phase operator is established. This being the focus of this work, connections with the Susskind-Glogower- Carruthers-Nieto phase operator formalism as well as standard action-angle Wigner function formalisms are examined in the infinite-period limit. The concept of continuously shifted Fock basis is introduced to facilitate the Fock space representations of the Wigner function.