On the Operator Origins of Classical and Quantum Wave Functions

MaRDI QIDQ6416053zbMATH OpenFDO

Authors Xerxes Arsiwalla, David Chester, Louis Kauffman

Publication date 3 November 2022

Abstract: We investigate operator algebraic origins of the classical Koopman-von Neumann wave function $ps{i}_{KvN}$ as well as the quantum mechanical one $ps{i}_{QM}$. We introduce a formalism of Operator Mechanics (OM) based on a noncommutative Poisson, symplectic and noncommutative differential structures. OM serves as a pre-quantum algebra from which algebraic structures relevant to real-world classical and quantum mechanics follow. In particular, $ps{i}_{KvN}$ and $ps{i}_{QM}$ are both consequences of this pre-quantum formalism. No a priori Hilbert space is needed. OM admits an algebraic notion of operator expectation values without invoking states. A phase space bundle $calE$ follows from this. $ps{i}_{KvN}$ and $ps{i}_{QM}$ are shown to be sections in $calE$. The difference between $ps{i}_{KvN}$ and $ps{i}_{QM}$ originates from a quantization map interpreted as "twisting" of sections over $calE$. We also show that the Schr"{o}dinger equation is obtained from the Koopman-von Neumann equation. What this suggests is that neither the Schr"{o}dinger equation nor the quantum wave function are fundamental structures. Rather, they both originate from a pre-quantum operator algebra. Finally, we comment on how entanglement between these operators suggests emergence of space; and possible extensions of this formalism to field theories.

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