942 research outputs found
Spectrum of the non-commutative spherical well
We give precise meaning to piecewise constant potentials in non-commutative
quantum mechanics. In particular we discuss the infinite and finite
non-commutative spherical well in two dimensions. Using this, bound-states and
scattering can be discussed unambiguously. Here we focus on the infinite well
and solve for the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions. We find that time reversal
symmetry is broken by the non-commutativity. We show that in the commutative
and thermodynamic limits the eigenstates and eigenfunctions of the commutative
spherical well are recovered and time reversal symmetry is restored
Formulation, Interpretation and Application of non-Commutative Quantum Mechanics
In analogy with conventional quantum mechanics, non-commutative quantum
mechanics is formulated as a quantum system on the Hilbert space of
Hilbert-Schmidt operators acting on non-commutative configuration space. It is
argued that the standard quantum mechanical interpretation based on Positive
Operator Valued Measures, provides a sufficient framework for the consistent
interpretation of this quantum system. The implications of this formalism for
rotational and time reversal symmetry are discussed. The formalism is applied
to the free particle and harmonic oscillator in two dimensions and the physical
signatures of non commutativity are identified.Comment: 11 page
Twist Deformation of Rotationally Invariant Quantum Mechanics
Non-commutative Quantum Mechanics in 3D is investigated in the framework of
the abelian Drinfeld twist which deforms a given Hopf algebra while preserving
its Hopf algebra structure. Composite operators (of coordinates and momenta)
entering the Hamiltonian have to be reinterpreted as primitive elements of a
dynamical Lie algebra which could be either finite (for the harmonic
oscillator) or infinite (in the general case). The deformed brackets of the
deformed angular momenta close the so(3) algebra. On the other hand, undeformed
rotationally invariant operators can become, under deformation, anomalous (the
anomaly vanishes when the deformation parameter goes to zero). The deformed
operators, Taylor-expanded in the deformation parameter, can be selected to
minimize the anomaly. We present the deformations (and their anomalies) of
undeformed rotationally-invariant operators corresponding to the harmonic
oscillator (quadratic potential), the anharmonic oscillator (quartic potential)
and the Coulomb potential.Comment: 20 page
Non-Hermitian oscillator Hamiltonian and su(1,1): a way towards generalizations
The family of metric operators, constructed by Musumbu {\sl et al} (2007 {\sl
J. Phys. A: Math. Theor.} {\bf 40} F75), for a harmonic oscillator Hamiltonian
augmented by a non-Hermitian -symmetric part, is re-examined in the
light of an su(1,1) approach. An alternative derivation, only relying on
properties of su(1,1) generators, is proposed. Being independent of the
realization considered for the latter, it opens the way towards the
construction of generalized non-Hermitian (not necessarily -symmetric)
oscillator Hamiltonians related by similarity to Hermitian ones. Some examples
of them are reviewed.Comment: 11 pages, no figure; changes in title and in paragraphs 3 and 5;
final published versio
Moyal products -- a new perspective on quasi-hermitian quantum mechanics
The rationale for introducing non-hermitian Hamiltonians and other
observables is reviewed and open issues identified. We present a new approach
based on Moyal products to compute the metric for quasi-hermitian systems. This
approach is not only an efficient method of computation, but also suggests a
new perspective on quasi-hermitian quantum mechanics which invites further
exploration. In particular, we present some first results which link the Berry
connection and curvature to non-perturbative properties and the metric.Comment: 14 pages. Submitted to J Phys A special issue on The Physics of
Non-Hermitian Operator
Health care discrimination against the mentally ill - A comparison of private health insurance benefits for major depressive disorder and ischaemic heart disease in South Africa
CITATION: Oosthuizen, P. et al. 2004. Health care discrimination against the mentally ill - A comparison of private health insurance benefits for major depressive disorder and ischaemic heart disease in South Africa. South African Medical Journal, 94(10):821-823.The original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.za[No abstract available]Publisher’s versio
Quasi-Hermitian supersymmetric extensions of a non-Hermitian oscillator Hamiltonian and of its generalizations
A harmonic oscillator Hamiltonian augmented by a non-Hermitian \pt-symmetric
part and its su(1,1) generalizations, for which a family of positive-definite
metric operators was recently constructed, are re-examined in a supersymmetric
context. Quasi-Hermitian supersymmetric extensions of such Hamiltonians are
proposed by enlarging su(1,1) to a
superalgebra. This allows the construction of new non-Hermitian Hamiltonians
related by similarity to Hermitian ones. Some examples of them are reviewed.Comment: 15 pages, no figure; published versio
Health care discrimination against the mentally ill - A comparison of private health insurance benefits for major depressive disorder and ischaemic heart disease in South Africa
CITATION: Oosthuizen, P. et al. 2004. Health care discrimination against the mentally ill - A comparison of private health insurance benefits for major depressive disorder and ischaemic heart disease in South Africa. South African Medical Journal, 94(10):821-823.The original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.za[No abstract available]Publisher’s versio
Constraints to the sustainability of a ‘systematised’ approach to livestock marketing amongst smallholder cattle producers in South Africa
Commercialization of smallholder agriculture in South Africa is underpinned by reforms to improve livestock off-take in communal areas and engage smallholder farmers with formal markets. To achieve this, Custom Feeding Programmes (CFPs) were established to improve the condition of communal cattle prior to their sale into formal markets and to ‘systematise’ the informal marketing of cattle in communal areas by enabling participants to achieve higher informal market prices. We evaluate the sustainability of eight CFPs located in Eastern Cape Province in terms of their ability to add value to smallholder cattle production and encourage market participation. Communities with CFPs achieved a 16.6% mean cattle off-take rate, substantially higher than in most communal systems. Furthermore, cattle sold through CFPs attained a 17% higher mean selling price than those sold through other marketing channels. However, these benefits were mainly realized by better-off farmers with larger cattle herds and greater ability to transport animals to and from CFPs. More marginalized farmers, particularly women, had low participation. CFPs also face challenges to their sustainability, including inconsistent feed and water supplies, poor infrastructure and high staff turnover. Key to enhancing participation in CFPs, will be improving the way they are supported and embedded within communities
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