Reparametrization Invariance and the Schr\"odinger Equation

In the present work we consider a time-dependent Schr\"odinger equation for systems invariant under the reparametrization of time. We develop the two-stage procedure of construction such systems from a given initial ones, which is not invariant under the time reparametrization. One of the first-class constraints of the systems in such description becomes the time-dependent Schr\"odinger equation. The procedure is applicable in the supersymmetric theories as well. The $n=2$ supersymmetric quantum mechanics is coupled to world-line supergravity, and the local supersymmetric action is constructed leading to the square root representation of the time-dependent Schr\"odinger equation.Comment: RevTeX,25 page

Vacuum decay via Lorentzian wormholes

We speculate about the spacetime description due to the presence of Lorentzian wormholes (handles in spacetime joining two distant regions or other universes) in quantum gravity. The semiclassical rate of production of these Lorentzian wormholes in Reissner-Nordstr\"om spacetimes is calculated as a result of the spontaneous decay of vacuum due to a real tunneling configuration. In the magnetic case it only depends on the field theoretical fine structure constant. We predict that the quantum probability corresponding to the nucleation of such geodesically complete spacetimes should be actually negligible in our physical Universe