Quantum mechanical implications of classical ergodicity

Journal Article · Mon Oct 15 00:00:00 EDT 1979 · J. Chem. Phys.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.438772· OSTI ID:5784034

Stratt, R M; Handy, N C; Miller, W H

The concept of quantum ergodicity is examined empirically through a quantitative study of the eigenfunctions of both the Barbanis and Casati--Ford potentials. By considering the behavior of the nodes of the wave functions and by employing a combination of natural orbital and spectral analyses, many of the higher eigenstates can apparently be classified as ergodic. These particular states seem to correspond quite well not only to classical ergodic trajectories but also to (currently) unquantizable semiclassical wave functions. The relationship between this quantal ergodicity and its classical equivalent is discussed.

• Research Organization: Department of Chemistry and Materials and Molecular Research Division of the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720
• OSTI ID: 5784034
• Journal Information: J. Chem. Phys.; (United States), Vol. 71:8
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
QUANTUM MECHANICS
ERGODIC HYPOTHESIS
CHEMICAL REACTION KINETICS
PHASE SPACE
STOCHASTIC PROCESSES
WAVE FUNCTIONS
FUNCTIONS
HYPOTHESIS
KINETICS
MATHEMATICAL SPACE
MECHANICS
REACTION KINETICS
SPACE
657002* - Theoretical & Mathematical Physics- Classical & Quantum Mechanics