Time fractional Schrödinger equation revisited (Q2248420): Difference between revisions

Summary: The Time Fractional Schrödinger Equation (TFSE) for a nonrelativistic particle is derived on the basis of the Feynman path integral method by extending it initially to the case of a ``free particle'' obeying fractional dynamics, obtained by replacing the integer order derivatives with respect to time by those of fractional order. The equations of motion contain quantities which have ``fractional'' dimensions, chosen such that the ``energy'' has the correct dimension \([ML^2/T^2]\). The action \(S\) is defined as a fractional time integral of the Lagrangian, and a ``fractional Planck constant'' is introduced. The TFSE corresponds to a ``subdiffusion'' equation with an imaginary fractional diffusion constant and reproduces the regular Schrödinger equation in the limit of integer order. The present work corrects a number of errors in Naber's work. The correct continuity equation for the probability density is derived and a Green function solution for the case of a ``free particle'' is obtained. The total probability for a ``free'' particle is shown to go to zero in the limit of infinite time, in contrast with Naber's result of a total probability greater than unity. A generalization to the case of a particle moving in a potential is also given.