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Simple New Axioms for Quantum Mechanics

Quantum Physics 2007-05-23 v1

Abstract

The space P of pure states of any physical system, classical or quantum, is identified as a Poisson space with a transition probability. The latter is a function p: PxP -> [0,1]; in addition, a Poisson bracket is defined for functions on P. These two structures are connected through unitarity. Classical and quantum mechanics are each characterized by a simple axiom on the transition probability p. Unitarity then determines the Poisson bracket of quantum mechanics up to a multiplicative constant (identified with Planck's constant). Superselection rules are naturally incorporated.

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Cite

@article{arxiv.quant-ph/9604008,
  title  = {Simple New Axioms for Quantum Mechanics},
  author = {N. P. Landsman},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:quant-ph/9604008},
  year   = {2007}
}

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LaTeX, 4 pages