arXiv subjects

M. A. Walton

Publications and source records attributed to M. A. Walton.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2011

Flow of S-matrix poles for elementary quantum potentials

The poles of the quantum scattering matrix (S-matrix) in the complex momentum plane have been studied extensively. Bound states give rise to S-matrix poles, and other poles correspond to non-normalizable anti-bound, resonance and anti-resonance states. They describe important physics, but their locations can be difficult to find. In pioneering work, Nussenzveig performed the analysis for a square well/wall, and plotted the flow of the poles as the potential depth/height varied. More than fifty years later, however, little has been done in the way of direct generalization of those results. We point out that today we can find such poles easily and efficiently, using numerical techniques and widely available software. We study the poles of the scattering matrix for the simplest piece-wise flat potentials, with one and two adjacent (non-zero) pieces. For the finite well/wall the flow of the poles as a function of the depth/height recovers the results of Nussenzveig. We then analyze the flow for a potential with two independent parts that can be attractive or repulsive, the two-piece potential. These examples provide some insight into the complicated behavior of the resonance, anti-resonance and anti-bound poles.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2010

On Robin boundary conditions and the Morse potential in quantum mechanics

The physical origin is investigated of Robin boundary conditions for wave functions at an infinite reflecting wall. We consider both Schrödinger and phase-space quantum mechanics (a.k.a. deformation quantization), for this simple example of a contact interaction. A non-relativistic particle moving freely on the half-line is treated as moving on the full line in the presence of an infinite potential wall, realized as a limit of a Morse potential. We show that the wave functions for the Morse states can become those for a free particle on the half-line with Robin boundary conditions. However, Dirichlet boundary conditions (standard walls) are obtained unless a mass-dependent fine tuning (to a reflection resonance) is imposed. This phenomenon was already observed for piece-wise flat potentials, so it is not removed by smoothing. We argue that it explains why standard quantum walls are standard. Next we consider the Wigner functions (the symbols of both diagonal and off-diagonal density operator elements) of phase-space quantum mechanics. Taking the (fine-tuned) limit, we show that our Wigner functions do reduce to the expected ones on the half-line. This confirms that the Wigner transform should indeed be unmodified for this contact interaction.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2010

The Morse potential and phase-space quantum mechanics

We consider the time-independent Wigner functions of phase-space quantum mechanics (a.k.a. deformation quantization) for a Morse potential. First, we find them by solving the $\ast$-eigenvalue equations, using a method that can be applied to potentials that are polynomial in an exponential. A Mellin transform converts the $\ast$-eigenvalue equations to difference equations, and factorized solutions are found directly for all values of the parameters. The symbols of both diagonal and off-diagonal density operator elements in the energy basis are found this way. The Wigner transforms of the density matrices built from the known wave functions are then shown to confirm the solutions.

math-ph↗

arXiv2008

On Wigner functions and a damped star product in dissipative phase-space quantum mechanics

Dito and Turrubiates recently introduced an interesting model of the dissipative quantum mechanics of a damped harmonic oscillator in phase space. Its key ingredient is a non-Hermitian deformation of the Moyal star product with the damping constant as deformation parameter. We compare the Dito-Turrubiates scheme with phase-space quantum mechanics (or deformation quantization) based on other star products, and extend it to incorporate Wigner functions. The deformed (or damped) star product is related to a complex Hamiltonian, and so necessitates a modified equation of motion involving complex conjugation. We find that with this change the Wigner function satisfies the classical equation of motion. This seems appropriate since non-dissipative systems with quadratic Hamiltonians share this property.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2007

On character generators for simple Lie algebras

We study character generating functions (character generators) of simple Lie algebras. The expression due to Patera and Sharp, derived from the Weyl character formula, is first reviewed. A new general formula is then found. It makes clear the distinct roles of ``outside'' and ``inside'' elements of the integrity basis, and helps determine their quadratic incompatibilities. We review, analyze and extend the results obtained by Gaskell using the Demazure character formulas. We find that the fundamental generalized-poset graphs underlying the character generators can be deduced from such calculations. These graphs, introduced by Baclawski and Towber, can be simplified for the purposes of constructing the character generator. The generating functions can be written easily using the simplified versions, and associated Demazure expressions. The rank-two algebras are treated in detail, but we believe our results are indicative of those for general simple Lie algebras.

math-ph↗

arXiv2004

On infinite walls in deformation quantization

We examine the deformation quantization of a single particle moving in one dimension (i) in the presence of an infinite potential wall, (ii) confined by an infinite square well, and (iii) bound by a delta function potential energy. In deformation quantization, considered as an autonomous formulation of quantum mechanics, the Wigner function of stationary states must be found by solving the so-called $\*$-genvalue (``stargenvalue'') equation for the Hamiltonian. For the cases considered here, this pseudo-differential equation is difficult to solve directly, without an ad hoc modification of the potential. Here we treat the infinite wall as the limit of a solvable exponential potential. Before the limit is taken, the corresponding $\*$-genvalue equation involves the Wigner function at momenta translated by imaginary amounts. We show that it can be converted to a partial differential equation, however, with a well-defined limit. We demonstrate that the Wigner functions calculated from the standard Schrödinger wave functions satisfy the resulting new equation. Finally, we show how our results may be adapted to allow for the presence of another, non-singular part in the potential.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2004

Polytope sums and Lie characters

A new application of polytope theory to Lie theory is presented. Exponential sums of convex lattice polytopes are applied to the characters of irreducible representations of simple Lie algebras. The Brion formula is used to write a polytope expansion of a Lie character, that makes more transparent certain degeneracies of weight-multiplicities beyond those explained by Weyl symmetry.

math-ph↗

arXiv2004

Quantum Mechanics Another Way

Deformation quantization (sometimes called phase-space quantization) is a formulation of quantum mechanics that is not usually taught to undergraduates. It is formally quite similar to classical mechanics: ordinary functions on phase space take the place of operators, but the functions are multiplied in an exotic way, using the star product. Here we attempt a brief, pedagogical discussion of deformation quantization, that is suitable for inclusion in an undergraduate course.

physics.ed-ph↗

arXiv2002

Fusion rules and the Patera-Sharp generating-function method

We review some contributions on fusion rules that were inspired by the work of Sharp, in particular, the generating-function method for tensor-product coefficients that he developed with Patera. We also review the Kac-Walton formula, the concepts of threshold level, fusion elementary couplings, fusion generating functions and fusion bases. We try to keep the presentation elementary and exemplify each concept with the simple $\su(2)_k$ case.

hep-th↗

arXiv2002

Higher-genus su(N) fusion multiplicities as polytope volumes

We show how higher-genus su(N) fusion multiplicities may be computed as the discretized volumes of certain polytopes. The method is illustrated by explicit analyses of some su(3) and su(4) fusions, but applies to all higher-point and higher-genus su(N) fusions. It is based on an extension of the realm of Berenstein-Zelevinsky triangles by including so-called gluing and loop-gluing diagrams. The identification of the loop-gluing diagrams is our main new result, since they enable us to characterize higher-genus fusions in terms of polytopes. Also, the genus-2 0-point su(3) fusion multiplicity is found to be a simple binomial coefficient in the affine level.

hep-th↗

arXiv2001

Higher su(N) tensor products

We extend our recent results on ordinary su(N) tensor product multiplicities to higher su(N) tensor products. Particular emphasis is put on four-point couplings where the tensor product of four highest weight modules is considered. The number of times the singlet occurs in the decomposition is the associated multiplicity. In this framework, ordinary tensor products correspond to three-point couplings. As in that case, the four-point multiplicity may be expressed explicitly as a multiple sum measuring the discretised volume of a convex polytope. This description extends to higher-point couplings as well. We also address the problem of determining when a higher-point coupling exists, i.e., when the associated multiplicity is non-vanishing. The solution is a set of inequalities in the Dynkin labels.

math-ph↗

arXiv2000

Fusion in coset CFT from admissible singular-vector decoupling

Fusion rules for Wess-Zumino-Witten (WZW) models at fractional level can be defined in two ways, with distinct results. The Verlinde formula yields fusion coefficients that can be negative. These signs cancel in coset fusion rules, however. On the other hand, the fusion coefficients calculated from decoupling of singular vectors are non-negative. They produce incorrect coset fusion rules, however, when factorisation is assumed. Here we give two prescriptions that yield the correct coset fusion rules from those found for the WZW models by the decoupling method. We restrict to the Virasoro minimal models for simplicity, and because decoupling results are only complete in the $\su(2)$ case.

hep-th↗

arXiv2000

Schubert Calculus and Threshold Polynomials of Affine Fusion

We show how the threshold level of affine fusion, the fusion of Wess-Zumino-Witten (WZW) conformal field theories, fits into the Schubert calculus introduced by Gepner. The Pieri rule can be modified in a simple way to include the threshold level, so that calculations may be done for all (non-negative integer) levels at once. With the usual Giambelli formula, the modified Pieri formula deforms the tensor product coefficients (and the fusion coefficients) into what we call threshold polynomials. We compare them with the q-deformed tensor product coefficients and fusion coefficients that are related to q-deformed weight multiplicities. We also discuss the meaning of the threshold level in the context of paths on graphs.

hep-th↗

arXiv1999

On Principal Admissible Representations and Conformal Field Theory

The principal admissible representations of affine Kac-Moody algebras are studied, with a view to their use in conformal field theory. We discuss the generation of the set of principal admissible highest weights, concentrating mainly on $A_r^{(1)}$ at rational level $k$. A related algorithm is described that produces the Malikov-Feigen-Fuchs null vectors of these representations. With the principal admissible description of the highest weights, we are able to prove that field identifications (including maverick ones) lead to the canonical description of the primary fields of the nonunitary diagonal coset theories.

hep-th↗

arXiv1998

Heterotic Modular Invariants and Level--Rank Duality

New heterotic modular invariants are found using the level-rank duality of affine Kac-Moody algebras. They provide strong evidence for the consistency of an infinite list of heterotic Wess-Zumino-Witten (WZW) conformal field theories. We call the basic construction the dual-flip, since it flips chirality (exchanges left and right movers) and takes the level-rank dual. We compare the dual-flip to the method of conformal subalgebras, another way of constructing heterotic invariants. To do so, new level-one heterotic invariants are first found; the complete list of a specified subclass of these is obtained. We also prove (under a mild hypothesis) an old conjecture concerning exceptional $A_{r,k}$ invariants and level-rank duality.

hep-th↗

arXiv1997

On Fusion Algebras and Modular Matrices

We consider the fusion algebras arising in e.g. Wess-Zumino-Witten conformal field theories, affine Kac-Moody algebras at positive integer level, and quantum groups at roots of unity. Using properties of the modular matrix $S$, we find small sets of primary fields (equivalently, sets of highest weights) which can be identified with the variables of a polynomial realization of the $A_r$ fusion algebra at level $k$. We prove that for many choices of rank $r$ and level $k$, the number of these variables is the minimum possible, and we conjecture that it is in fact minimal for most $r$ and $k$. We also find new, systematic sources of zeros in the modular matrix $S$. In addition, we obtain a formula relating the entries of $S$ at fixed points, to entries of $S$ at smaller ranks and levels. Finally, we identify the number fields generated over the rationals by the entries of $S$, and by the fusion (Verlinde) eigenvalues.

q-alg↗

arXiv1996

Demazure Characters and Affine Fusion Rules

The Demazure character formula is applied to the Verlinde formula for affine fusion rules. We follow Littelmann's derivation of a generalized Littlewood-Richardson rule from Demazure characters. A combinatorial rule for affine fusions does not result, however. Only a modified version of the Littlewood-Richardson rule is obtained that computes an (old) upper bound on the fusion coefficients of affine $A_r$ algebras. We argue that this is because the characters of simple Lie algebras appear in this treatment, instead of the corresponding affine characters. The Bruhat order on the affine Weyl group must be implicated in any combinatorial rule for affine fusions; the Bruhat order on subgroups of this group (such as the finite Weyl group) does not suffice.

hep-th↗

arXiv1995

Spectra of Conformal Field Theories with Current Algebras

This is an elementary review of our recent work on the classification of the spectra of those two-dimensional rational conformal field theories (RCFTs) whose (maximal) chiral algebras are current algebras. We classified all possible partition functions for such theories when the defining finite-dimensional Lie algebra is simple. The concepts underlying this work are emphasized, and are illustrated using simple examples.

hep-th↗