English

Probability conservation for multi-time integral equations

Quantum Physics 2024-02-28 v2 High Energy Physics - Theory Mathematical Physics math.MP

Abstract

In relativistic quantum theory, one sometimes considers integral equations for a wave function ψ(x1,x2)\psi(x_1,x_2) depending on two space-time points for two particles. A serious issue with such equations is that, typically, the spatial integral over ψ2|\psi|^2 is not conserved in time -- which conflicts with the basic probabilistic interpretation of quantum theory. However, here it is shown that for a special class of integral equations with retarded interactions along light cones, the global probability integral is, indeed, conserved on all Cauchy surfaces. For another class of integral equations with more general interaction kernels, asymptotic probability conservation from t=t=-\infty to t=+t=+\infty is shown to hold true. Moreover, a certain local conservation law is deduced from the first result.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2210.05759,
  title  = {Probability conservation for multi-time integral equations},
  author = {Matthias Lienert},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2210.05759},
  year   = {2024}
}

Comments

12 pages, 2 figures; contribution to the Memorial Volume in honor of Detlef D\"urr; v2: revised and shortened version