2009•arXiv (Cornell University)Open access

A dynamical time operator in relativistic quantum mechanics

M. Bauer

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Abstract

A self-adjoint dynamical time operator is introduced in Dirac’s relativistic formulation of quantum mechanics and shown to satisfy with the Hamiltonian a commutation relation analogous to that of the position and momentum operators. The instantaneous rate of change of the position expectation value with respect to the simultaneous expectation value of the dynamical time operator is shown to be the phase velocity, in agreement with de Broglie’s hypothesis of a particle associated wave whose phase velocity is larger than c. Thus, these two elements of the original basis and interpretation of quantum mechanics are integrated into its formal mathematical structure. Pauli’s objection is shown to be resolved or circumvented. Possible relevance to current developments in interference in time and in cosmology is noted.

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A self-adjoint dynamical time operator is introduced in Dirac’s relativistic formulation of quantum mechanics and shown to satisfy with the Hamiltonian a commutation relation analogous to that of the position and momentum operators. The instantaneous rate of change of the position expectation value with respect to the simultaneous expectation value of the dynamical time operator is shown to be the phase velocity, in agreement with de Broglie’s hypothesis of a particle associated wave whose phase velocity is larger than c. Thus, these two elements of the original basis and interpretation of quantum mechanics are integrated into its formal mathematical structure. Pauli’s objection is shown to be resolved or circumvented. Possible relevance to current developments in interference in time and in cosmology is noted.

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Available abstract

A self-adjoint dynamical time operator is introduced in Dirac’s relativistic formulation of quantum mechanics and shown to satisfy with the Hamiltonian a commutation relation analogous to that of the position and momentum operators. The instantaneous rate of change of the position expectation value with respect to the simultaneous expectation value of the dynamical time operator is shown to be the phase velocity, in agreement with de Broglie’s hypothesis of a particle associated wave whose phase velocity is larger than c. Thus, these two elements of the original basis and interpretation of quantum mechanics are integrated into its formal mathematical structure. Pauli’s objection is shown to be resolved or circumvented. Possible relevance to current developments in interference in time and in cosmology is noted.

Key concepts: Relativistic quantum mechanics, Physics, Position operator, Momentum operator, Classical mechanics, Hamiltonian (control theory), Quantum mechanics, Operator (biology)

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