Time operators for quantum walks (Q2198354)

The time evolution of a continuous-time quantum system is described by a one-parameter unitary group \(\{e^{-itH}\}_{t\in\mathbb{R}}\), where \(H\) is a self-adjoint operator. A time operator of the system is formally defined as a Hermitian operator \(T\), which satisfies the canonical commutation relation with \(H\). Since the operator \(e^{-itH}\) is unitaty, it is natural to consider unitary operator \(U\) and define a \textit{time operator} of \(U\) as operator that satisfies \([T,U]=U\) on a subspace \(\mathcal{D} \subset D(TU)\cap D(T)\). Another important object is \textit{strong time operator} that satisfied the operator equality \(U^* T U=T+1\). In the paper under review, the authors study time operators and strong time operators for discrete-time quantum systems (quantum walks are typical examples). From the authors' summary: ``We construct time operators for one-dimensional homogeneous quantum walks and determine their deficiency indices and spectra. Our time operators always have self-adjoint extensions. This is in contrast to the fact that time operators for continuous-time quantum systems generally have no self-adjoint extensions. The uniqueness of the extensions relates to the winding numbers corresponding to the system. If it is unique, its spectrum becomes a discrete set of real numbers, i.e., the time operator is quantized.''