SUMMARY
The discussion centers on the derivation of the Lagrangian operator as the Legendre transform of the Hamiltonian operator in quantum mechanics, emphasizing the preservation of this relationship in quantum field theory. A key resource mentioned is the article available at arxiv.org, which addresses foundational questions but is noted to be incomplete regarding the supernum/infinium aspect of the Legendre transform. An alternative resource provided is a PDF from Carnegie Mellon University, which offers a more comprehensive exploration of the topic. The discussion also touches on the minimization of action in the context of convex functions.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of classical mechanics principles, particularly Hamiltonian and Lagrangian formulations.
- Familiarity with Legendre transforms in both classical and quantum mechanics.
- Knowledge of quantum field theory and its mathematical foundations.
- Basic grasp of convex functions and their properties in optimization.
NEXT STEPS
- Study the derivation of the Lagrangian from the Hamiltonian using Legendre transforms in quantum mechanics.
- Explore the implications of supernum and infimum in the context of Lagrangian density and Hamiltonian density.
- Investigate the role of convex functions in the minimization of action in classical and quantum mechanics.
- Review advanced resources on quantum field theory, focusing on the relationship between Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations.
USEFUL FOR
Physicists, particularly those specializing in classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, and quantum field theory, as well as students and researchers looking to deepen their understanding of the mathematical relationships between Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations.