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

A generic Hopf algebra for quantum statistical mechanics

In this paper, we present a Hopf algebra description of a bosonic quantum model, using the elementary combinatorial elements of Bell and Stirling numbers. Our objective in doing this is as follows. Recent studies have revealed that perturbative quantum field theory (pQFT) displays an astonishing interplay between analysis (Riemann zeta functions), topology (Knot theory), combinatorial graph theory (Feynman diagrams) and algebra (Hopf structure). Since pQFT is an inherently complicated study, so far not exactly solvable and replete with divergences, the essential simplicity of the relationships between these areas can be somewhat obscured. The intention here is to display some of the above-mentioned structures in the context of a simple bosonic quantum theory, i.e. a quantum theory of non-commuting operators that do not depend on space-time. The combinatorial properties of these boson creation and annihilation operators, which is our chosen example, may be described by graphs, analogous to the Feynman diagrams of pQFT, which we show possess a Hopf algebra structure. Our approach is based on the quantum canonical partition function for a boson gas.Comment: 8 pages/(4 pages published version), 1 Figure. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1011.052

Wigner quantization of some one-dimensional Hamiltonians

Recently, several papers have been dedicated to the Wigner quantization of different Hamiltonians. In these examples, many interesting mathematical and physical properties have been shown. Among those we have the ubiquitous relation with Lie superalgebras and their representations. In this paper, we study two one-dimensional Hamiltonians for which the Wigner quantization is related with the orthosymplectic Lie superalgebra osp(1|2). One of them, the Hamiltonian H = xp, is popular due to its connection with the Riemann zeros, discovered by Berry and Keating on the one hand and Connes on the other. The Hamiltonian of the free particle, H_f = p^2/2, is the second Hamiltonian we will examine. Wigner quantization introduces an extra representation parameter for both of these Hamiltonians. Canonical quantization is recovered by restricting to a specific representation of the Lie superalgebra osp(1|2)

Hierarchical Dobinski-type relations via substitution and the moment problem

We consider the transformation properties of integer sequences arising from the normal ordering of exponentiated boson ([a,a*]=1) monomials of the form exp(x (a*)^r a), r=1,2,..., under the composition of their exponential generating functions (egf). They turn out to be of Sheffer-type. We demonstrate that two key properties of these sequences remain preserved under substitutional composition: (a)the property of being the solution of the Stieltjes moment problem; and (b) the representation of these sequences through infinite series (Dobinski-type relations). We present a number of examples of such composition satisfying properties (a) and (b). We obtain new Dobinski-type formulas and solve the associated moment problem for several hierarchically defined combinatorial families of sequences.Comment: 14 pages, 31 reference

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

Spin operator and spin states in Galilean covariant Fermi field theories

Spin degrees of freedom of the Galilean covariant Dirac field in (4+1) dimensions and its nonrelativistic counterpart in (3+1) dimensions are examined. Two standard choices of spin operator, the Galilean covariant and Dirac spin operators, are considered. It is shown that the Dirac spin of the Galilean covariant Dirac field in (4+1) dimensions is not conserved, and the role of non-Galilean boosts in its nonconservation is stressed out. After reduction to (3+1) dimensions the Dirac field turns into a nonrelativistic Fermi field with a conserved Dirac spin. A generalized form of the Levy-Leblond equations for the Fermi field is given. One-particle spin states are constructed. A particle-antiparticle system is discussed.Comment: Minor corrections in the text; journal versio

Topological Expansion and Exponential Asymptotics in 1D Quantum Mechanics

Borel summable semiclassical expansions in 1D quantum mechanics are considered. These are the Borel summable expansions of fundamental solutions and of quantities constructed with their help. An expansion, called topological,is constructed for the corresponding Borel functions. Its main property is to order the singularity structure of the Borel plane in a hierarchical way by an increasing complexity of this structure starting from the analytic one. This allows us to study the Borel plane singularity structure in a systematic way. Examples of such structures are considered for linear, harmonic and anharmonic potentials. Together with the best approximation provided by the semiclassical series the exponentially small contribution completing the approximation are considered. A natural method of constructing such an exponential asymptotics relied on the Borel plane singularity structures provided by the topological expansion is developed. The method is used to form the semiclassical series including exponential contributions for the energy levels of the anharmonic oscillator.Comment: 46 pages, 22 EPS figure

Path-integral quantization of Galilean Fermi fields

The Galilei-covariant fermionic field theories are quantized by using the path-integral method and five-dimensional Lorentz-like covariant expressions of non-relativistic field equations. Firstly, we review the five-dimensional approach to the Galilean Dirac equation, which leads to the Levy-Leblond equations, and define the Galilean generating functional and Green's functions for positive- and negative-energy/mass solutions. Then, as an example of interactions, we consider the quartic self-interacting potential ${\lambda} (\bar{\Psi} {\Psi})^2$, and we derive expressions for the 2- and 4-point Green's functions. Our results are compatible with those found in the literature on non-relativistic many-body systems. The extended manifold allows for compact expressions of the contributions in $(3+1)$ space-time. This is particularly apparent when we represent the results with diagrams in the extended $(4+1)$ manifold, since they usually encompass more diagrams in Galilean $(3+1)$ space-time.Comment: LATEX file, 27 pages, 8 figures; typos in the journal version are removed, equation (1) in Introduction is correcte