2 research outputs found
The Importance of Boundary Conditions in Quantum Mechanics
We discuss the role of boundary conditions in determining the physical
content of the solutions of the Schrodinger equation. We study the
standing-wave, the ``in,'' the ``out,'' and the purely outgoing boundary
conditions. As well, we rephrase Feynman's prescription as a
time-asymmetric, causal boundary condition, and discuss the connection of
Feynman's prescription with the arrow of time of Quantum
Electrodynamics. A parallel of this arrow of time with that of Classical
Electrodynamics is made. We conclude that in general, the time evolution of a
closed quantum system has indeed an arrow of time built into the propagators.Comment: Contribution to the proceedings of the ICTP conference "Irreversible
Quantum Dynamics," Trieste, Italy, July 200