On Galilei invariance in quantum mechanics and the Bargmann superselection rule

Journal Article · Mon Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1996 · Annals of Physics (New York)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1006/aphy.1996.0069· OSTI ID:383714

Giulini, D ^[1]

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1. Fakultaet fuer Physik, Universitaet Freiburg, Hermann-Herder Strasse-3, D-79104 Freiburg (Germany)

We reinvestigate Bargmann{close_quote}s superselection rule for the overall mass of {ital n} particles in ordinary quantum mechanics with Galilei invariant interaction potential. We point out that in order for mass to define a superselection rule it should be considered as a dynamical variable. We present a minimal extension of the original dynamics in which mass it treated as dynamical variable. Here the classical symmetry group turns out to be given by an {bold R}-extension of the Galilei group. Unlike before, there is now no obstruction to implement an action of the classical symmetry group on Hilbert space. We include some comments of a general nature on formal derivations of superselection rules without dynamical context. Copyright {copyright} 1996 Academic Press, Inc.

• OSTI ID: 383714
• Journal Information: Annals of Physics (New York), Journal Name: Annals of Physics (New York) Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 249; ISSN 0003-4916; ISSN APNYA6
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

66 PHYSICS
EIGENSTATES
GALILEI TRANSFORMATIONS
HILBERT SPACE
INVARIANCE PRINCIPLES
MATHEMATICAL OPERATORS
QUANTUM MECHANICS
SUPERSELECTION RULES