Generalization of Quantum Mechanics: Difference between revisions
Add to Category:Quantum Theory |
Fill in keywords from the wiki's abstract records |
||
| Line 2: | Line 2: | ||
| title = Generalization of Quantum Mechanics | | title = Generalization of Quantum Mechanics | ||
| author = [[Thomas E Phipps]] | | author = [[Thomas E Phipps]] | ||
| keywords = quantum mechanics, Quantum Theory, wave function | |||
| published = 1960 | | published = 1960 | ||
| journal = [[Physical Review]] | | journal = [[Physical Review]] | ||
Revision as of 07:24, 21 July 2026
| Scientific Paper | |
|---|---|
| Title | Generalization of Quantum Mechanics |
| Author(s) | Thomas E Phipps |
| Keywords | quantum mechanics, Quantum Theory, wave function |
| Published | 1960 |
| Journal | Physical Review |
| Volume | 118 |
| Number | 6 |
| Pages | 1653-1658 |
Abstract
The possibility of generalizing quantum mechanics in such a way as to retain its predictive results, while comprehending additional solutions, is examined. It is found that this can be done through a perfected formal correspondence with Hamilton-Jacobi mechanics, by which one is led to consider generalizations of the Heisenberg postulate of the form pk qj - qj pk = S (delta jk), where S is a quantum analog of Hamilton's principal function. The formalism is shown to be equivalent to a simple change in Hamiltonian, with transformed momentum operators satisfying conventional commutation relations, and with an additional relationship involving formal analogs of the classical "initial constants" adjoined. A particular choice of S (= h-bar/i) leads to a theory identical with wave mechanics apart from a constant (unobservable) phase factor on the wave function. The fact that S may possess other, nonconstant values, demonstrated by a specific example, suggests the ability of the mechanical equations to describe a broader class of physical states than has hitherto been investigated.