Complete sets of invariants for dynamical systems that admit a separation of variables

Consider a classical Hamiltonian H in n dimensions consisting of a kinetic energy term plus a potential. If the associated Hamilton–Jacobi equation admits an orthogonal separation of variables, then it is possible to generate algorithmically a canonical basis Q, P where P1 = H, P2, ,Pn are the other second-order constants of the motion associated with the separable coordinates, and {Qi,Qj} = {Pi,Pj} = 0, {Qi,Pj} = ij. The 2n–1 functions Q2, ,Qn,P1, ,Pn form a basis for the invariants. We show how to determine for exactly which spaces and potentials the invariant Qj is a polynomial in the original momenta. We shed light on the general question of exactly when the Hamiltonian admits a constant of the motion that is polynomial in the momenta. For n = 2 we go further and consider all cases where the Hamilton–Jacobi equation admits a second-order constant of the motion, not necessarily associated with orthogonal separable coordinates, or even separable coordinates at all. In each of these cases we construct an additional constant of the motion

The Coulomb-Oscillator Relation on n-Dimensional Spheres and Hyperboloids

In this paper we establish a relation between Coulomb and oscillator systems on $n$-dimensional spheres and hyperboloids for $n\geq 2$. We show that, as in Euclidean space, the quasiradial equation for the $n+1$ dimensional Coulomb problem coincides with the $2n$-dimensional quasiradial oscillator equation on spheres and hyperboloids. Using the solution of the Schr\"odinger equation for the oscillator system, we construct the energy spectrum and wave functions for the Coulomb problem.Comment: 15 pages, LaTe

Path Integral Discussion for Smorodinsky-Winternitz Potentials: I.\ Two- and Three Dimensional Euclidean Space

Path integral formulations for the Smorodinsky-Winternitz potentials in two- and three-dimen\-sional Euclidean space are presented. We mention all coordinate systems which separate the Smorodinsky-Winternitz potentials and state the corresponding path integral formulations. Whereas in many coordinate systems an explicit path integral formulation is not possible, we list in all soluble cases the path integral evaluations explicitly in terms of the propagators and the spectral expansions into the wave-functions.Comment: LaTeX 60 pages, DESY 94-01