Classical Mechanics in Hilbert Space: Path Integral Formulation, and a Quantum Correction

Abstract

While it is well-known that quantum mechanics can be reformulated in terms of a path integral representation, it will be shown that such a formulation is also possible in the case of classical mechanics. From Koopman-von Neumann theory, which recasts classical mechanics in terms of a Hilbert space wherein the Liouville operator acts as the generator of motion, we derive a path integral representation of the classical propagator and suggest an efficient numerical implementation using fast fourier transform techniques. We then include a first quantum correction to derive a revealing expression for the semi-classical path integral, which augments the classical picture of a single trajectory through phase space with additional wave-like spreading.