The second term of the semi-classical asymptotic expansion for Feynman path integrals with integrand of polynomial growth (Q2501662)

Recently, \textit{N. Kumano-go} [Bull. Sci. Math., 128, 197--251 (2004; Zbl 1059.81110)] proved that piecewise linear time slicing of Feynman path integral converges for a certain class of functionals in the integrand. It is demonstrated in the paper under review that 1)~a large part of discussion in the cited paper becomes much simpler and clearer if one uses piecewise classical paths in place of piecewise linear ones, and 2)~the use of piecewise classical paths naturally leads one to an analytic formula for the second term of the semi-classical asymptotic expansion of the Feynman path integrals. See also \textit{M. B. Menskii}, [Theor. Math. Phys. 18, No. 2, 136--144 (1974); translation from Teor. Mat. Fiz. 18, 190--202 (1974)] for a simple and natural treating of Feynman path integrals equivalent to the usage of piecewise classical paths.