A Discrete Time Presentation of Quantum Dynamics
General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology
2008-11-26 v2 High Energy Physics - Theory
Quantum Physics
Abstract
Inspired by the discrete evolution implied by the recent work on loop quantum cosmology, we obtain a discrete time description of usual quantum mechanics viewing it as a constrained system. This description, obtained without any approximation or explicit discretization, mimics features of the discrete time evolution of loop quantum cosmology. We discuss the continuum limit, physical inner product and matrix elements of physical observables to bring out various issues regarding viability of a discrete evolution. We also point out how a continuous time could emerge without appealing to any continuum limit.
Cite
@article{arxiv.gr-qc/0210056,
title = {A Discrete Time Presentation of Quantum Dynamics},
author = {G. Date},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:gr-qc/0210056},
year = {2008}
}
Comments
20 pages, RevTex, no figures. Additional Clarifications added. Version accepted for publication in Class. Quant. Grav