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Introduction of a quantum of time (`chronon`) and its consequences for quantum mechanics

Abstract

The authors discuss the consequences of the introduction of a quantum of time {tau}{sub 0} in the formalism of non-relativistic quantum mechanics, by referring themselves in particular to the theory of the chronon as proposed by P. Caldirola. Such an interesting `finite difference` theory, forwards -at the classical level- a solution for the motion of a particle endowed with a non-negligible charge in an external electromagnetic field, overcoming all the known difficulties met by Abraham-Lorentz`s and Dirac`s approaches (and even allowing a clear answer to the question whether a free falling charged particle does or not emit radiation), and -at the quantum level- yields a remarkable mass spectrum for leptons. After having briefly reviewed Caldirola`s approach, the first aim of the authors is to work out, discuss, and compare one another the mew representations of Quantum Mechanics (QM) resulting from it, in the Schroedinger, Heisenberg and density-operator (Liouville-von Neumann) pictures, respectively.The authors also obtain the (retarded) finite-difference Schroedinger equation within the Feynman path integral approach, and study some of its relevant solutions. They, then, derive the time-evolution operators of this discrete theory, and use them to get the finite-difference Heisenberg equations. At last, the density matrix formalism is applied to  More>>
Authors:
Farias, R H.A.; [1]  Recami, E [2] 
  1. Lab. Nacional de Luz Sincrotron, Campinas, SP (Brazil)
  2. Bergamo Univ. (Italy). Fac. di Ingegneria
Publication Date:
Dec 31, 1998
Product Type:
Technical Report
Report Number:
INFN-AE-98-08
Reference Number:
SCA: 661100; PA: ITA-99:000056; EDB-99:017505; SN: 99002049494
Resource Relation:
Other Information: PBD: 1998
Subject:
66 PHYSICS; QUANTUM MECHANICS; SCHROEDINGER PICTURE; HEISENBERG PICTURE; FEYNMAN PATH INTEGRAL; FINITE DIFFERENCE METHOD
OSTI ID:
301909
Research Organizations:
Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Milan (Italy)
Country of Origin:
Italy
Language:
English
Other Identifying Numbers:
Other: ON: DE99722856; TRN: IT9900056
Availability:
OSTI as DE99722856
Submitting Site:
ITA
Size:
92 p.
Announcement Date:
Feb 04, 1999

Citation Formats

Farias, R H.A., and Recami, E. Introduction of a quantum of time (`chronon`) and its consequences for quantum mechanics. Italy: N. p., 1998. Web.
Farias, R H.A., & Recami, E. Introduction of a quantum of time (`chronon`) and its consequences for quantum mechanics. Italy.
Farias, R H.A., and Recami, E. 1998. "Introduction of a quantum of time (`chronon`) and its consequences for quantum mechanics." Italy.
@misc{etde_301909,
title = {Introduction of a quantum of time (`chronon`) and its consequences for quantum mechanics}
author = {Farias, R H.A., and Recami, E}
abstractNote = {The authors discuss the consequences of the introduction of a quantum of time {tau}{sub 0} in the formalism of non-relativistic quantum mechanics, by referring themselves in particular to the theory of the chronon as proposed by P. Caldirola. Such an interesting `finite difference` theory, forwards -at the classical level- a solution for the motion of a particle endowed with a non-negligible charge in an external electromagnetic field, overcoming all the known difficulties met by Abraham-Lorentz`s and Dirac`s approaches (and even allowing a clear answer to the question whether a free falling charged particle does or not emit radiation), and -at the quantum level- yields a remarkable mass spectrum for leptons. After having briefly reviewed Caldirola`s approach, the first aim of the authors is to work out, discuss, and compare one another the mew representations of Quantum Mechanics (QM) resulting from it, in the Schroedinger, Heisenberg and density-operator (Liouville-von Neumann) pictures, respectively.The authors also obtain the (retarded) finite-difference Schroedinger equation within the Feynman path integral approach, and study some of its relevant solutions. They, then, derive the time-evolution operators of this discrete theory, and use them to get the finite-difference Heisenberg equations. At last, the density matrix formalism is applied to the solution of the measurement problem in QM, with very interesting results, so as a natural explication of `decoherence`, which reveal the power of dicretized (in particular, retarded) QM.}
place = {Italy}
year = {1998}
month = {Dec}
}