The method of Ostrogradsky, quantization, and a move toward a ghost-free future

Journal Article · Sun Nov 15 00:00:00 EST 2009 · Journal of Mathematical Physics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3257179· OSTI ID:21294456

Nucci, M C ^[1]; Leach, P G L ^[2]

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1. Dipartimento di Matematica e Informatica, Universita di Perugia, 06123 Perugia (Italy)
2. School of Mathematical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000 (South Africa)

The method of Ostrogradsky has been used to construct a first-order Lagrangian, hence Hamiltonian, for the fourth-order field-theoretical model of Pais-Uhlenbeck with unfortunate results when quantization is undertaken since states with negative norm, commonly called ''ghosts,'' appear. We propose an alternative route based on the preservation of symmetry and this leads to a ghost-free quantization.

• OSTI ID: 21294456
• Journal Information: Journal of Mathematical Physics, Vol. 50, Issue 11; Other Information: DOI: 10.1063/1.3257179; (c) 2009 American Institute of Physics; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0022-2488
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS
ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
HAMILTONIANS
LAGRANGIAN FIELD THEORY
LAGRANGIAN FUNCTION
QUANTIZATION
SYMMETRY