Feynman path integrals introduced heuristically in the 1940s are a powerful tool used in many areas of physics, but also an intriguing mathematical challenge. In this work we used techniques of infinite dimensional integration (i.e. the infinite dimensional oscillatory integrals) in two different, but strictly connected, directions. On the one hand we construct a functional integral representation for solutions of a general high-order heat-type equations exploiting a recent generalization of infinite dimensional Fresnel integrals; in this framework we prove a a Girsanov-type formula, which is related, in the case of Schrödinger equation, to the Feynman path integral representation for the solution in presence of a magnetic field; eventually a new phase space path integral solution for higher-order heat-type equations is also presented. On the other hand for the three dimensional Schrödinger equation with magnetic field we provide a rigorous mathematical Feynman path integral formula still in the context of infinite dimensional oscillatory integrals; moreover, the requirement of independence of the integral on the approximation procedure forces the introduction of a counterterm, which has to be added to the classical action functional (this is done by the example of a linear vector potential). Thanks to that, it is possible to give a natural explanation for the appearance of the Stratonovich integral in the path integral formula for both the Schrödinger and the heat equation with magnetic field.

Feynman path integral for Schrödinger equation with magnetic field

Cangiotti, Nicolò
2020

Abstract

Feynman path integrals introduced heuristically in the 1940s are a powerful tool used in many areas of physics, but also an intriguing mathematical challenge. In this work we used techniques of infinite dimensional integration (i.e. the infinite dimensional oscillatory integrals) in two different, but strictly connected, directions. On the one hand we construct a functional integral representation for solutions of a general high-order heat-type equations exploiting a recent generalization of infinite dimensional Fresnel integrals; in this framework we prove a a Girsanov-type formula, which is related, in the case of Schrödinger equation, to the Feynman path integral representation for the solution in presence of a magnetic field; eventually a new phase space path integral solution for higher-order heat-type equations is also presented. On the other hand for the three dimensional Schrödinger equation with magnetic field we provide a rigorous mathematical Feynman path integral formula still in the context of infinite dimensional oscillatory integrals; moreover, the requirement of independence of the integral on the approximation procedure forces the introduction of a counterterm, which has to be added to the classical action functional (this is done by the example of a linear vector potential). Thanks to that, it is possible to give a natural explanation for the appearance of the Stratonovich integral in the path integral formula for both the Schrödinger and the heat equation with magnetic field.
14-feb-2020
Inglese
Mazzucchi, Sonia
Università degli studi di Trento
Trento
102
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14242/107692
Il codice NBN di questa tesi è URN:NBN:IT:UNITN-107692