Note on the norm convergence of the unitary Trotter product formula (Q703029)

Let \(A\) and \(B\) be self-adjoint operators in the Hilbert space such that \(A+B\) is essentially self-adjoint on \({\mathcal D}(A)\cap{\mathcal D}(B)\). According to the Trotter product formula, \[ s-\lim_{n\to\infty}\left(e^{-itA/n}e^{-itB/n}\right)^n = e^{-it(A+B)}. \] The authors find sufficient conditions for the norm convergence in this formula. Moreover, optimal error estimates are obtained. Applications to the Dirac operator and the relativistic Schrödinger operator with suitable potentials are also included.