Physics – Quantum Physics
Scientific paper
2002-08-12
EconfC0306234:617-628,2003; Phys.Rev.Lett.89:270401,2002; Erratum-ibid.92:119902,2004
Physics
Quantum Physics
4 Pages, Version to appear in PRL
Scientific paper
10.1103/PhysRevLett.89.270401
It is shown that the standard formulation of quantum mechanics in terms of Hermitian Hamiltonians is overly restrictive. A consistent physical theory of quantum mechanics can be built on a complex Hamiltonian that is not Hermitian but satisfies the less restrictive and more physical condition of space-time reflection symmetry (PT symmetry). Thus, there are infinitely many new Hamiltonians that one can construct to explain experimental data. One might expect that a quantum theory based on a non-Hermitian Hamiltonian would violate unitarity. However, if PT symmetry is not spontaneously broken, it is possible to construct a previously unnoticed physical symmetry C of the Hamiltonian. Using C, an inner product is constructed whose associated norm is positive definite. This construction is completely general and works for any PT-symmetric Hamiltonian. Observables exhibit CPT symmetry, and the dynamics is governed by unitary time evolution. This work is not in conflict with conventional quantum mechanics but is rather a complex generalisation of it.
Bender Carl M.
Brody Dorje C.
Jones Hugh F.
No associations
LandOfFree
Complex Extension of Quantum Mechanics does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Complex Extension of Quantum Mechanics, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Complex Extension of Quantum Mechanics will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-269203