Normal Order: Combinatorial Graphs

A conventional context for supersymmetric problems arises when we consider systems containing both boson and fermion operators. In this note we consider the normal ordering problem for a string of such operators. In the general case, upon which we touch briefly, this problem leads to combinatorial numbers, the so-called Rook numbers. Since we assume that the two species, bosons and fermions, commute, we subsequently restrict ourselves to consideration of a single species, single-mode boson monomials. This problem leads to elegant generalisations of well-known combinatorial numbers, specifically Bell and Stirling numbers. We explicitly give the generating functions for some classes of these numbers. In this note we concentrate on the combinatorial graph approach, showing how some important classical results of graph theory lead to transparent representations of the combinatorial numbers associated with the boson normal ordering problem.Comment: 7 pages, 15 references, 2 figures. Presented at "Progress in Supersymmetric Quantum Mechanics" (PSQM'03), Valladolid, Spain, July 200

Wick's theorem for q-deformed boson operators

In this paper combinatorial aspects of normal ordering arbitrary words in the creation and annihilation operators of the q-deformed boson are discussed. In particular, it is shown how by introducing appropriate q-weights for the associated ``Feynman diagrams'' the normally ordered form of a general expression in the creation and annihilation operators can be written as a sum over all q-weighted Feynman diagrams, representing Wick's theorem in the present context.Comment: 9 page

Heisenberg-Weyl algebra revisited: Combinatorics of words and paths

The Heisenberg-Weyl algebra, which underlies virtually all physical representations of Quantum Theory, is considered from the combinatorial point of view. We provide a concrete model of the algebra in terms of paths on a lattice with some decomposition rules. We also discuss the rook problem on the associated Ferrers board; this is related to the calculus in the normally ordered basis. From this starting point we explore a combinatorial underpinning of the Heisenberg-Weyl algebra, which offers novel perspectives, methods and applications.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figure

Dobinski-type relations: Some properties and physical applications

We introduce a generalization of the Dobinski relation through which we define a family of Bell-type numbers and polynomials. For all these sequences we find the weight function of the moment problem and give their generating functions. We provide a physical motivation of this extension in the context of the boson normal ordering problem and its relation to an extension of the Kerr Hamiltonian.Comment: 7 pages, 1 figur

Combinatorics and Boson normal ordering: A gentle introduction

We discuss a general combinatorial framework for operator ordering problems by applying it to the normal ordering of the powers and exponential of the boson number operator. The solution of the problem is given in terms of Bell and Stirling numbers enumerating partitions of a set. This framework reveals several inherent relations between ordering problems and combinatorial objects, and displays the analytical background to Wick's theorem. The methodology can be straightforwardly generalized from the simple example given herein to a wide class of operators.Comment: 8 pages, 1 figur

Combinatorially interpreting generalized Stirling numbers

Let $w$ be a word in alphabet $\{x,D\}$ with $m$ $x$'s and $n$ $D$'s. Interpreting "$x$" as multiplication by $x$, and "$D$" as differentiation with respect to $x$, the identity $wf(x) = x^{m-n}\sum_k S_w(k) x^k D^k f(x)$, valid for any smooth function $f(x)$, defines a sequence $(S_w(k))_k$, the terms of which we refer to as the {\em Stirling numbers (of the second kind)} of $w$. The nomenclature comes from the fact that when $w=(xD)^n$, we have $S_w(k)={n \brace k}$, the ordinary Stirling number of the second kind. Explicit expressions for, and identities satisfied by, the $S_w(k)$ have been obtained by numerous authors, and combinatorial interpretations have been presented. Here we provide a new combinatorial interpretation that retains the spirit of the familiar interpretation of ${n \brace k}$ as a count of partitions. Specifically, we associate to each $w$ a quasi-threshold graph $G_w$, and we show that $S_w(k)$ enumerates partitions of the vertex set of $G_w$ into classes that do not span an edge of $G_w$. We also discuss some relatives of, and consequences of, our interpretation, including $q$-analogs and bijections between families of labelled forests and sets of restricted partitions.Comment: To appear in Eur. J. Combin., doi:10.1016/j.ejc.2014.07.00

Normally ordered forms of powers of differential operators and their combinatorics

We investigate the combinatorics of the general formulas for the powers of the operator h∂k, where h is a central element of a ring and ∂ is a differential operator. This generalizes previous work on the powers of operators h∂. New formulas for the generalized Stirling numbers are obtained.Ministerio de Economía y competitividad MTM2016-75024-PJunta de Andalucía P12-FQM-2696Junta de Andalucía FQM–33