arXiv subjects

Vaclav Zatloukal

Publications and source records attributed to Vaclav Zatloukal.

14 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2022

Fact-nets: towards a mathematical framework for relational quantum mechanics

The relational interpretation of quantum mechanics (RQM) has received a growing interest since its first formulation in 1996. Usually presented as an interpretational layer over the usual quantum mechanics formalism, it appears as a philosophical perspective without proper mathematical counterparts. This state of affairs has direct consequences on the scientific debate on RQM which still suffers from misunderstandings and imprecise statements. In an attempt to clarify those debates, the present paper proposes a radical reformulation of the mathematical framework of quantum mechanics which is relational from the start: fact-nets. The core idea is that all statements about the world, facts, are binary entities involving two systems that can be symmetrically thought of as observed and observer. We initiate a study of the fact-nets formalism and outline how it can shed new relational light on some familiar quantum features.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2022

The role of shape operator in gauge theories

We introduce the concept of shape operator and rotating blade (also known in the theory of embedded Riemannian manifolds as the second fundamental form and the Gauss map) in the realm of Yang-Mills theories. Hence we arrive at new gauge-invariant variables, which can serve as an alternative to the usual gauge potentials.

math-ph↗

arXiv2021

Local time of random walks on graphs

We investigate the local (or occupation) time of a discrete-time random walk on a generic graph, and present a general method for calculating sample-path averages of local time functionals in terms of the resolvent of the transition matrix.

math-ph↗

arXiv2019

Real spinors and real Dirac equation

We reexamine the minimal coupling procedure in the Hestenes' geometric algebra formulation of the Dirac equation, where spinors are identified with the even elements of the real Clifford algebra of spacetime. This point of view, as we argue, leads naturally to a non-Abelian generalisation of the electromagnetic gauge potential.

math-ph↗

arXiv2018

Shape tensor and geometry of embedded manifolds

We review the notion of shape tensor of an embedded manifold, which efficiently combines intrinsic and extrinsic geometry, and allows for intuitive understanding of some basic concepts of classical differential geometry, such as parallel transport, covariant differentiation, and curvature. We introduce shape-minimizing curves, i.e., curves between given two points that minimize integrated value of the shape tensor magnitude.

math-ph↗

arXiv2017

Local time of Levy random walks: a path integral approach

Local time of a stochastic process quantifies the amount of time that sample trajectories $x(τ)$ spend in the vicinity of an arbitrary point $x$. For a generic Hamiltonian, we employ the phase-space path-integral representation of random walk transition probabilities in order to quantify the properties of the local time. For time-independent systems, the resolvent of the Hamiltonian operator proves to be a central tool for this purpose. In particular, we focus on local times of Levy random walks (or Levy flights), which correspond to fractional diffusion equations.

math-ph↗

arXiv2016

Classical field theories from Hamiltonian constraint: Local symmetries and static gauge fields

We consider the Hamiltonian constraint formulation of classical field theories, which treats spacetime and the space of fields symmetrically, and utilizes the concept of momentum multivector. The gauge field is introduced to compensate for non-invariance of the Hamiltonian under local transformations. It is a position-dependent linear mapping, which couples to the Hamiltonian by acting on the momentum multivector. We investigate symmetries of the ensuing gauged Hamiltonian, and propose a generic form of the gauge field strength. In examples we show how a generic gauge field can be specialized in order to realize gravitational and/or Yang-Mills interaction. Gauge field dynamics is not discussed in this article. Throughout, we employ the mathematical language of geometric algebra and calculus.

math-ph↗

arXiv2016

Classical field theories from Hamiltonian constraint: Canonical equations of motion and local Hamilton-Jacobi theory

Classical field theory is considered as a theory of unparametrized surfaces embedded in a configuration space, which accommodates, in a symmetric way, spacetime positions and field values. Dynamics is defined by a (Hamiltonian) constraint between multivector-valued generalized momenta, and points in the configuration space. Starting from a variational principle, we derive local equations of motion, that is, differential equations that determine classical surfaces and momenta. A local Hamilton-Jacobi equation applicable in the field theory then follows readily. The general method is illustrated with three examples: non-relativistic Hamiltonian mechanics, De Donder-Weyl scalar field theory, and string theory. Throughout, we use the mathematical formalism of geometric algebra and geometric calculus, which allows to perform completely coordinate-free manipulations.

math-ph↗

arXiv2016

Classical field theories from Hamiltonian constraint: Symmetries and conservation laws

We discuss the relation between symmetries and conservation laws in the realm of classical field theories based on the Hamiltonian constraint. In this approach, spacetime positions and field values are treated on equal footing, and a generalized multivector-valued momentum is introduced. We derive a field-theoretic Hamiltonian version of the Noether theorem, and identify generalized Noether currents with the momentum contracted with symmetry-generating vector fields. Their relation to the traditional vectorial Noether currents is then established. Throughout, we employ the mathematical language of geometric algebra and calculus.

math-ph↗

arXiv2016

Hamiltonian constraint formulation of classical field theories

Classical field theory is considered as a theory of unparametrized surfaces embedded in a configuration space, which accommodates, in a symmetric way, spacetime positions and field values. Dynamics is defined via the (Hamiltonian) constraint between multivector-valued generalized momenta, and points in the configuration space. Starting from a variational principle, we derive the local equations of motion, that is, differential equations that determine classical surfaces and momenta. A local Hamilton-Jacobi equation applicable in the field theory then follows readily. In addition, we discuss the relation between symmetries and conservation laws, and derive a Hamiltonian version of the Noether theorem, where the Noether currents are identified as the classical momentum contracted with the symmetry-generating vector fields. The general formalism is illustrated by two examples: the scalar field theory, and the string theory. Throughout the article, we employ the mathematical formalism of geometric algebra and calculus, which allows us to perform completely coordinate-free manipulations.

math-ph↗

arXiv2015

Local-time representation of path integrals

We derive a local-time path-integral representation for a generic one-dimensional time-independent system. In particular, we show how to rephrase the matrix elements of the Bloch density matrix as a path integral over x-dependent local-time profiles. The latter quantify the time that the sample paths x(t) in the Feynman path integral spend in the vicinity of an arbitrary point x. Generalization of the local-time representation that includes arbitrary functionals of the local time is also provided. We argue that the results obtained represent a powerful alternative to the traditional Feynman-Kac formula, particularly in the high and low temperature regimes. To illustrate this point, we apply our local-time representation to analyze the asymptotic behavior of the Bloch density matrix at low temperatures. Further salient issues, such as connections with the Sturm-Liouville theory and the Rayleigh-Ritz variational principle are also discussed.

math-ph↗

arXiv2014

Path-integral approach to the Wigner-Kirkwood expansion

We study the high-temperature behavior of quantum-mechanical path integrals. Starting from the Feynman-Kac formula, we derive a new functional representation of the Wigner-Kirkwood perturbation expansion for quantum Boltzmann densities. As shown by its applications to different potentials, the presented expansion turns out to be quite efficient in generating analytic form of the higher-order expansion coefficients. To put some flesh on the bare bones we apply the expansion to obtain basic thermodynamic functions of the one-dimensional anharmonic oscillator. Further salient issues, such as generalization to the Bloch density matrix and comparison with the more customary world-line formulation are discussed.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2012

Braiding Interactions in Anyonic Quantum Walks

The anyonic quantum walk is a dynamical model describing a single anyon propagating along a chain of stationary anyons and interacting via mutual braiding statistics. We review the recent results on the effects of braiding statistics in anyonic quantum walks in quasi-one dimensional ladder geometries. For anyons which correspond to spin-1/2 irreps of the quantum groups $SU(2)_k$, the non-Abelian species $(1<k<\infty)$ gives rise to entanglement between the walker and topological degrees of freedom which is quantified by quantum link invariants over the trajectories of the walk. The decoherence is strong enough to reduce the walk on the infinite ladder to classical like behaviour. We also present numerical results on mixing times of $SU(2)_2$ or Ising model anyon walks on cyclic graphs. Finally, the possible experimental simulation of the anyonic quantum walk in Fractional Quantum Hall systems is discussed.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2010

Statistical dynamics of a non-Abelian anyonic quantum walk

We study the single particle dynamics of a mobile non-Abelian anyon hopping around many pinned anyons on a surface. The dynamics is modelled by a discrete time quantum walk and the spatial degree of freedom of the mobile anyon becomes entangled with the fusion degrees of freedom of the collective system. Each quantum trajectory makes a closed braid on the world lines of the particles establishing a direct connection between statistical dynamics and quantum link invariants. We find that asymptotically a mobile Ising anyon becomes so entangled with its environment that its statistical dynamics reduces to a classical random walk with linear dispersion in contrast to particles with Abelian statistics which have quadratic dispersion.

quant-ph↗