Nilpotent classical mechanics: s-geometry

We introduce specific type of hyperbolic spaces. It is not a general linear covariant object, but of use in constructing nilpotent systems. In the present work necessary definitions and relevant properties of configuration and phase spaces are indicated. As a working example we use a D=2 isotropic harmonic oscillator.Comment: 8 pages, presented at QGIS, June 2006, Pragu

Quantum brachistochrone problem for spin-1 in a magnetic field

We study quantum brachistochrone problem for the spin-1 system in a magnetic field of a constant absolute value. Such system gives us a possibility to examine in detail the statement of papers [A. Carlini {\it et al.}, Phys. Rev. Lett. {\bf 96}, 060503 (2006), D. C. Brody, D. W. Hook, J. Phys. A {\bf 39}, L167, (2006)] that {\it the state vectors realizing the evolution with the minimal time of passage evolve along the subspace spanned by the initial and final state vectors.} Using explicit example we show the existence of quantum brachistochrone with minimal possible time, but the state vector of which, during the evolution {\em leaves} the subspace spanned by the initial and final state vectors. This is the result of the choice of more constrained Hamiltonian then assumed in the general quantum brachistochrone problem, but what is worth noting, despite that such evolution is more complicated it is still time optimal. This might be important for experiment, where general Hamiltonian with the all allowed parameters is difficult to implement, but constrained one depending on magnetic field can be realized. However for pre-constrained Hamiltonian not all final states are accessible. Present result does not contradict general statement of the quantum brachistochrone problem, but gives new insight how time optimal passage can be realized.Comment: 7 pages, no figure

Lagrangian Models of the Particles with Spin: The First Seventy Years

We briefly review models of relativistic particles with spin. Departing from the oldest attempts to describe the spin within the lagrangian framework we pass through various non supersymmetric models. Then the component and superfield formulations of the spinning particle and superparticle models are reviewed. Our focus is mainly on the classical side of the problem, but some quantization questions are mentioned as well.Comment: plain LaTeX, 25 pages. To appear in "From Field Theory to Quantum Groups" World Scientific, proceedings to honour J.Lukierski in his 60th birthda