A mathematical interpretation of Dirac's formalism. Part C: Free field operators (Q1097476)

In the present paper we give a mathematical rigorization and interpretation of the canonical (anti-)communication relations which occur in the theory of the quantized free field. Our set-up is closely related to two of our earlier papers [same Rep. 22, 177-180 and 189-203 (1985; Zbl 0614.46033 and Zbl 0614.46034)] in which we presented a mathematical interpretation of Dirac's formalism. This interpretation is based on two new mathematical concepts: the concept of Dirac basis and the concept of bracket. The bracket is no longer regarded as a ``number'' but as an analytic function on the open right half of the complex plane. As in the cited paper, we use the theory of generalized functions which has been constructed by one of us. Quantum theory and distribution theory seem to be dissolubly connected. One might wonder whether the choice of the distribution theory play an essential role in a mathematical interpretation of Dirac's formalism and related physical concepts. The answer is threefold: There are strong indications that similar interpretations can be derived in a very wide class of distribution theories (which include Schwartz' theory of tempered distributions). On the other hand, the distribution theory employed here, introduces generalized functions in a way very close to the physical intuitive view of improper functions. Moreover, it seems natural to adapt the used distribution theory to the concrete quantum mechanical system under consideration.