Nomenclature : global or constant phase

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of the phase factor in quantum mechanics, specifically whether it is considered a constant or a global phase factor. Participants explore the implications of phase factors in wavefunctions and their mathematical representation, questioning the context in which these phases are defined.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the phase factor ##e^{i\phi}\Psi(x)## should be classified as a constant or a global phase factor.
  • Another participant expresses uncertainty about the classification without additional context.
  • A third participant suggests the possibility of a more complex phase representation, such as ##e^{i\int K(\Psi(s),s)ds}\Psi(x)##, and raises concerns about the mathematical complexity of such an approach.
  • A fourth participant emphasizes the need for a specific physics context to understand the meaning of phase factors, noting their prevalence in quantum theory.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the classification of the phase factor, and multiple competing views regarding its interpretation and context remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the dependence of phase factors on the specific physical context and the potential mathematical complexities involved in their representation.

jk22
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Is the phase factor in : ##e^{i\phi}\Psi(x)## a constant or a global phase factor called ?
 
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I don't know without context ;-).
 
Indeed I hesitated to put it in the math section.

Or : does it happen to have something like : ##e^{i\int K(\Psi(s),s)ds}\Psi(x)## ?

So that the phase on a function of all the points, or the shape of the wavefunction ?

But anyhow I would think it's unhandlable and very heavy mathematically.
 
Last edited:
I have no clue, what you are talking about. You should provide the physics context. Phases are everywhere in quantum theory. Their meaning depends on the context of the physics you want to describe!
 

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