Wigner function for the orientation state
Quantum Physics
2013-06-11 v3
Abstract
We introduce a quantum phase space representation for the orientation state of extended quantum objects, using the Euler angles and their conjugate momenta as phase space coordinates. It exhibits the same properties as the standard Wigner function and thus provides an intuitive framework for discussing quantum effects and semiclassical approximations in the rotational motion. Examples illustrating the viability of this quasi-probability distribution include the phase space description of a molecular alignment effect.
Cite
@article{arxiv.1210.4115,
title = {Wigner function for the orientation state},
author = {Timo Fischer and Clemens Gneiting and Klaus Hornberger},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1210.4115},
year = {2013}
}
Comments
11 pages, 3 figures, v3: corresponds to published version