Physics – High Energy Physics – High Energy Physics - Theory
Scientific paper
2012-04-23
Physics
High Energy Physics
High Energy Physics - Theory
12 pages, 2 figures
Scientific paper
More than 15 years ago, a new approach to quantum mechanics was suggested, in which Hermiticity of the Hamiltonian was to be replaced by invariance under a discrete symmetry, the product of parity and time-reversal symmetry, $\mathcal{PT}$. It was shown that if $\mathcal{PT}$ is unbroken, energies were, in fact, positive, and unitarity was satisifed. Since quantum mechanics is quantum field theory in 1 dimension, time, it was natural to extend this idea to higher-dimensional field theory, and in fact an apparently viable version of $\mathcal{PT}$-invariant quantum electrodynamics was proposed. However, it has proved difficult to establish that the unitarity of the scattering matrix, for example, the K\"all\'en spectral representation for the photon propagator, can be maintained in this theory. This has led to questions of whether, in fact, even quantum mechanical systems are consistent with probability conservation when Green's functions are examined, since the latter have to possess physical requirements of analyticity. The status of $\mathcal{PT}$QED will be reviewed in this report, as well as the general issue of unitarity.
Abalo E. K.
Milton Kimball A.
Parashar Prachi
Pourtolami Nima
Wagner Jakub
No associations
LandOfFree
PT-Symmetric Quantum Electrodynamics and Unitarity 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 PT-Symmetric Quantum Electrodynamics and Unitarity, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and PT-Symmetric Quantum Electrodynamics and Unitarity will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-518753