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arXiv:quant-ph/0611116 · Journal of Physics A Mathematical and Theoretical

Quantum mechanics on a circle: Husimi phase-space distributions and semiclassical coherent state propagators

B Bahr, H J Korsch

Published Mar 20, 2007• 10 citations
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Abstract

We discuss some basic tools for an analysis of one-dimensional quantum systems defined on a cyclic coordinate space. The basic features of the generalized coherent states, the complexifier coherent states, are reviewed. These states are then used to define the corresponding (quasi)densities in phase space. The properties of these generalized Husimi distributions are discussed, in particular their zeros. Furthermore, the use of the complexifier coherent states for a semiclassical analysis is demonstrated by deriving a semiclassical coherent state propagator in phase space.

DOI
10.1088/1751-8113/40/14/013

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•Jan 1, 2014•2 citations
We discuss some basic tools for an analysis of one-dimensional quantum systems defined on a cyclic coordinate space. The basic features of the generalized coherent states, the complexifier coherent states, are reviewed. These states are then used to define the corresponding (quasi)densities in phase space. The properties of these generalized Husimi distributions are discussed, in particular their zeros. Furthermore, the use of the complexifier coherent states for a semiclassical analysis is demonstrated by deriving a semiclassical coherent state propagator in phase space.
We discuss some basic tools for an analysis of one-dimensionalquantum systems defined on a cyclic coordinate space. The basic features of the generalized coherent states, the complexifier coherent states are reviewed. These states are then used to define the corresponding (quasi)densities in phase space. The properties of these generalized Husimi distributions are discussed, in particular their zeros.Furthermore, the use of the complexifier coherent states for a semiclassical analysis is demonstrated by deriving a semiclassical coherent state propagator in phase space.
We present a complete derivation of the semiclassical limit of the coherent-state propagator in one dimension, starting from path integrals in phase space. We show that the arbitrariness in the path integral representation, which follows from the overcompleteness of the coherent states, results in many different semiclassical limits. We explicitly derive two possible semiclassical formulae for the propagator, we suggest a third one, and we discuss their relationships. We also derive an initial-value representation for the semiclassical propagator, based on an initial Gaussian wavepacket. It turns out to be related to, but different from, Heller's thawed Gaussian approximation. It is very different from the Herman-Kluk formula, which is not a correct semiclassical limit. We point out errors in two derivations of the latter. Finally we show how the semiclassical coherent-state propagators lead to WKB-type quantization rules and to approximations for the Husimi distributions of stationary states.
We present a time evolution equation that provides a novel basis for the treatment of quantum systems in phase space and for the investigation of the quantum-classical correspondence. Through the use of a generalized Husimi transform, we obtain a phase space representation of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation directly from the coordinate representation. Such an equation governs the time evolution of densities such as the Husimi density entirely in phase space, without recourse to a coordinate or momentum representation. As an application of the phase-space Schrödinger equation, we compute the eigenfunctions of the harmonic oscillator in phase space, relate these to the Husimi transform of coordinate representation eigenstates, and investigate the coherent state, its time evolution, and classical limit (ℏ→0) for the probability density generated by this state. Finally, we discuss our results as they relate to the quantum-classical correspondence, and quasiclassical trajectory simulations of quantum dynamics.
The dynamics generated by non-Hermitian Hamiltonians are often less intuitive than those of conventional Hermitian systems. Even for models as simple as a complexified harmonic oscillator, the dynamics for generic initial states shows surprising features. Here we analyze the dynamics of the Husimi distribution in a semiclassical limit, illuminating the foundations of the full quantum evolution. The classical Husimi evolution is composed of two factors: (i) the initial Husimi distribution evaluated along phase-space trajectories and (ii) the final value of the norm corresponding to each phase-space point. Both factors conspire to lead to intriguing dynamical behaviors. We demonstrate how the full quantum dynamics unfolds on top of the classical Husimi dynamics for two instructive examples.
The Husimi distribution, introduced by Kodi Husimi in 1940 [1], is a quasi-probability distribution commonly used to study the correspondence between quantum and classical dynamics [2]. Also, it is employed to describe systems in different areas of physics such as Quantum Mechanics, Quantum Optics, Information Theory [3–8]. Additionally, in nanotechnology it is possible to obtain a clear description of localization –which corresponds to classicality– and is crucial to determine correctly the size of systems when the particle dynamics takes into account mobility boundaries [9]. Among its properties, it is always positive definite and unique, conversely it cannot be considered as a true probability distribution over the quantum-mechanical phase space, reason why it is often considered as a quasi probability distribution. Although it possesses no correct marginal properties, its usefulness is to allow the assessment of the expectation values in quantum mechanics in a way similar to the classical case [10]. The semiclassical Husimi probability distribution refers to a special type of probability, this is for simultaneous but approximate location of position and momentum in phase space.
This thesis describes quantum mechanics in the phase space formulation. We introduce quantization and in particular the Weyl quantization. We study a general class of phase space distribution functions on phase space. The Wigner distribution function is one such distribution function. The Wigner distribution function in general attains negative values and thus can not be interpreted as a real probability density, as opposed to for example the Husimi distribution function. The Husimi distribution however does not yield the correct marginal distribution functions known from quantum mechanics. Properties of the Wigner and Husimi distribution function are studied to more extent. We calculate the Wigner and Husimi distribution function for the energy eigenstates of a particle trapped in a box. We then look at the semi classical limit for this example. The time evolution of Wigner functions are studied by making use of the Moyal bracket. The Moyal bracket and the Poisson bracket are compared in the classical limit. The phase space formulation of quantum mechanics has as advantage that classical concepts can be studied and compared to quantum mechanics. For certain quantum mechanical systems the time evolution of Wigner distribution functions becomes equivalent to the classical time evolution stated in the exact Egerov theorem. Another advantage of using Wigner functions is when one is interested in systems involving mixed states. A disadvantage of the phase space formulation is that for most problems it quickly loses its simplicity and becomes hard to calculate.