English

Wigner distributions for finite dimensional quantum systems: An algebraic approach

Quantum Physics 2009-11-11 v1

Abstract

We discuss questions pertaining to the definition of `momentum', `momentum space', `phase space', and `Wigner distributions'; for finite dimensional quantum systems. For such systems, where traditional concepts of `momenta' established for continuum situations offer little help, we propose a physically reasonable and mathematically tangible definition and use it for the purpose of setting up Wigner distributions in a purely algebraic manner. It is found that the point of view adopted here is limited to odd dimensional systems only. The mathematical reasons which force this situation are examined in detail.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.quant-ph/0507094,
  title  = {Wigner distributions for finite dimensional quantum systems: An algebraic approach},
  author = {S. Chaturvedi and E. Ercolessi and G. Marmo and G. Morandi and N. Mukunda and R. Simon},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:quant-ph/0507094},
  year   = {2009}
}

Comments

Latex, 13 pages

R2 v1 2026-07-22T19:49:51.118Z