Flux continuity and probability conservation in complexified Bohmian mechanics
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Department of Physics, Texas Tech University, Box 41061, Lubbock, Texas 79409-1061 (United States)
Recent years have seen increased interest in complexified Bohmian mechanical trajectory calculations for quantum systems as both a pedagogical and computational tool. In the latter context, it is essential that trajectories satisfy probability conservation to ensure they are always guided to where they are most needed. We consider probability conservation for complexified Bohmian trajectories. The analysis relies on time-reversal symmetry considerations, leading to a generalized expression for the conjugation of wave functions of complexified variables. This in turn enables meaningful discussion of complexified flux continuity, which turns out not to be satisfied in general, though a related property is found to be true. The main conclusion, though, is that even under a weak interpretation, probability is not conserved along complex Bohmian trajectories.
- OSTI ID:
- 21140445
- Journal Information:
- Physical Review. A, Vol. 77, Issue 2; Other Information: DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevA.77.022114; (c) 2008 The American Physical Society; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 1050-2947
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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