Could we do QM without time evolution ?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the feasibility of quantum mechanics (QM) without time evolution, specifically questioning whether QM can be formulated without referencing time as a coordinate. Participants mention the Hamiltonian and Schrödinger equations, suggesting that time and energy could be represented as the pair (p_0, t). Henneaux & Teitelboim's work on generally-covariant quantization in generalized phase space is referenced, highlighting concepts such as zero Hamiltonians. Additionally, the distinction between time as a parameter versus an operator in QM is noted as a significant consideration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Hamiltonian mechanics
  • Familiarity with the Schrödinger equation
  • Knowledge of generally-covariant quantization
  • Concept of time as a parameter in quantum mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research Henneaux & Teitelboim's textbook on generally-covariant quantization
  • Explore the implications of zero Hamiltonians in quantum mechanics
  • Study the role of time as a parameter versus an operator in QM
  • Investigate alternative formulations of quantum mechanics without time evolution
USEFUL FOR

The discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, quantum mechanics researchers, and students exploring advanced concepts in quantum theory and the foundations of time in physics.

mhill
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could we do QM without time evolution ??

that is the idea, could we perform QM without referring to any coordinate called 'time' in the sense that the Hamiltonian and Schroedinguer equation would be

[tex]H \Psi (x) =0[/tex] and time and energy only appear as the pair

[tex](p_0 , t)[/tex]

the idea is , to perform a QM where there is no time evolution
 
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mhill said:
that is the idea, could we perform QM without referring to any coordinate called 'time' in the sense that the Hamiltonian and Schroedinguer equation would be

[tex]H \Psi (x) =0[/tex] and time and energy only appear as the pair

[tex](p_0 , t)[/tex]

the idea is , to perform a QM where there is no time evolution
If you mean perform some kind of generally-covariant quantization in a
generalized phase space, I think Henneaux & Teitelboim talk about some
of that in their textbook. One finds weird stuff such as zero Hamiltonians,
(iirc - my memory is a bit vague on the details).

Separately, there's also the old chestnut about how time in QM is a
parameter, not an operator, if we want to have a Hilbert space of
states containing a lowest-energy state.
 

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