Quantum mechanics in coherent algebra on phase space

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, , Citation B Lesche and T H Seligman 1986 J. Phys. A: Math. Gen. 19 91 DOI 10.1088/0305-4470/19/1/013

0305-4470/19/1/91

Abstract

Quantum mechanics is formulated on a quantum mechanical phase space. The algebra of observables and states is represented by an algebra of functions on a phase space that fulfils a certain coherence condition, expressing the quantum mechanical superposition principle. The trace operation is an integration over phase space. In the case where the canonical variables independently run from - infinity to + infinity formalism reduces to the representation of quantum mechanics by Wigner distributions. However, the notion of coherent algebra allows one to apply the formalism to spaces for which the Wigner mapping is not known. The quantum mechanics of a particle in a plane in polar coordinates is discussed as an example.

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10.1088/0305-4470/19/1/013