English

Non-Hermitian Hamiltonians, Metric, Other Observables and Physical Implications

Quantum Physics 2007-10-31 v1

Abstract

The metric associated with a quasi-Hermitian Hamiltonian and its physical implications are scrutinised. Consequences of the non-uniqueness such as the question of the probability interpretation and the possible and forbidden choices of additional observables are investigated and exemplified by specific illustrative examples. In particular it is argued that the improper identification of observables lies at the origin of the claimed violation of the brachistchrone transition time between orthogonal states. The need for further physical input to remove ambiguities is pointed out.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.0710.5593,
  title  = {Non-Hermitian Hamiltonians, Metric, Other Observables and Physical Implications},
  author = {H. B. Geyer and W. D. Heiss and F. G. Scholtz},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:0710.5593},
  year   = {2007}
}

Comments

submitted for publication in J Phys A, special issue PHHQM07

R2 v1 2026-06-21T09:37:51.054Z