Symplectic tomography as classical approach to quantum systems

By using a generalization of the optical tomography technique we describe the dynamics of a quantum system in terms of equations for a purely classical probability distribution which contains complete information about the system.Comment: 12 pages, LATEX,preprint of Camerino University, to appear in Phys.Lett.A (1996

Existence of the Wigner function with correct marginal distributions along tilted lines on a lattice

In order to determine the Wigner function uniquely, we introduce a new condition which ensures that the Wigner function has correct marginal distributions along tilted lines. For a system in $N$ dimensional Hilbert space, whose "phase space" is a lattice with $N^2$ sites, we get different results depending on whether $N$ is odd or even. Under the new condition, the Wigner function is determined if $N$ is an odd number, but it does not exist if $N$ is even.Comment: 18 page

Wigner Functions on a Lattice

The Wigner functions on the one dimensional lattice are studied. Contrary to the previous claim in literature, Wigner functions exist on the lattice with any number of sites, whether it is even or odd. There are infinitely many solutions satisfying the conditions which reasonable Wigner functions should respect. After presenting a heuristic method to obtain Wigner functions, we give the general form of the solutions. Quantum mechanical expectation values in terms of Wigner functions are also discussed.Comment: 11 pages, no figures, REVTE

Entropy and Wigner Functions

The properties of an alternative definition of quantum entropy, based on Wigner functions, are discussed. Such definition emerges naturally from the Wigner representation of quantum mechanics, and can easily quantify the amount of entanglement of a quantum state. It is shown that smoothing of the Wigner function induces an increase in entropy. This fact is used to derive some simple rules to construct positive definite probability distributions which are also admissible Wigner functionsComment: 18 page

Duality symmetry for star products

A duality property for star products is exhibited. In view of it, known star-product schemes, like the Weyl-Wigner-Moyal formalism, the Husimi and the Glauber-Sudarshan maps are revisited and their dual partners elucidated. The tomographic map, which has been recently described as yet another star product scheme, is considered. It yields a noncommutative algebra of operator symbols which are positive definite probability distributions. Through the duality symmetry a new noncommutative algebra of operator symbols is found, equipped with a new star product. The kernel of the new star product is established in explicit form and examples are considered.Comment: 14 pages, no figure