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-~~- Acta Physica Austriaca, Supp!. XVIII, 111-151 (1977) © by Springer-Verlag 1977 ~ ~ r ~l CLASSICAL LIMIT OF QUANTUM ELECTRODYNAMICS+ by I. BIALYNICKI-BIRULA Inst. of Theoretical Warsaw, Physics Poland and Department Univ. of Physics of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh,PA. CONTENTS 1. Introduction 2. Classical limit of nonrelativistic 2.1. Hydrodynamic mechanics formulation 2.2. Weyl-Wigner-Moyal 3. Classical quantum transforms limit of relativistic quantum mechanics 4. Classical limit of the quantum theory of the EM field 4.1. Classical limit in terms of photon number states .-.....-I~ ~"~_, 'j n 4.2. Classical limit in terms of coherent 4.3. Classical limit and the low-frequency + Lecture given at XVI.lnternationale Kernphysik,Schladming,Austria,February states limit Universitatswochen fUr 24-March 5, 1977. ,... wu .._. 112 \~ 113 1. INTRODUCTION The relationship electrodynamics between is a complex not all of which what to compare. as a perturbation Quantum series tion scheme strong which indications from these , there is no systematic now of energy approximare- po- physical in- and indubitable that after counterpart, shape, causality, A very good historical review of the funda- problems of classical electrodynamics can be found article by Rohrlich is the correct link between description only emphasizes approach is easily [2], "presupposes statements we should charged particles. dynamics, the relationship classical extreme derstood theory an external with external simplified mechanics models versions the quantum to uncover. of charged There this level". rather Accepting than abandon level of QED, especially in of this theory. of quanta and relativity that of QED and it is precisely the com- I believe of quantum effects (controlled constant n) and relativistic velocity of light c) that makes effects by the Planck (controlled by the and the QED so difficult can be fully un- moving in is the the classical limit of I • II ! c, ! fine structure framework since II 1\ it implies formula of the quantum classical + constant the simple a theory, theory ->- 00. 0, the laws of quantum "n in powers 2 a = e /nc. ->- 0" rule Such statements as: tr tend to zero in any one obtains formula" calculational an expansion that if one makes ponding when tr \. - means In this perturbative "It is well known that these two greatly theory The only available of the dimensionless does not work field interacting some aspects to reach. tool - perturbation One is the particles do help us to understand bination of electro- are two field and the other of the electromagnetic sources. level and the correctness as complete and mathematically. electromagnetic theory truncated the relationship both physically of Bohm field and interacting between is easier cases in which nonrelativistic Maxwell In various that electrodynamics understood of the electromagnetic in the words intensify for the classical led to the emergence theories by observing [1]. apply to quantum electrodynamics theory, describing It was the fusion and classical and the classical however, a classical concepts and that lack this fact. Such a pragmatic refuted, view of all the successes These the very nature theory the quantum QED like any other quantum the search in a recent possible the need for this understanding of a direct this proposition, mental and it is quite all it is QED, not its classical which of classical terpretation. quantum that there that can be learned far from understanding One may question arguing have at the same time invariance, two simple models that we are still that to give finite the fullfledged It seems, however, of this relationship. we are exists between theories. is much more to that relationship , Clearly, is not in a much better of relativistic definitness understood. electrodynamics sults in each step and which would sitive aspects, since we do not even know that would be guaranteed the properties with many is at best only asymptotic. electrodynamics since to my knowledge, well and classical of the two theories theory, with the perturbation Classical subject, problem, is the true content supposed quantum are at present it can not be a simple of the relationship and classical the corres- [3] or "In the limit, mechanics must reduce 114 115 to those of classical applicable mechanics" to QED, because QED in its present large values it is very unlikely form can be extended with higher spin is also a source the classical limit. Contrary originated with Pauli not necessarilly problem with the classical disappear clarified by de Broglie affect precisely in wave mechanics in analysis problems the cross of a particle there are strong For example, indications backward Historically, of the relativ- the ratio of the differential classical that the spin himself limit, but cross MECHANICS the first example of the classical theory was, of course, the transition law for the black body radiation formula. [8] "for a vanishingly fi, the general In the words small value to the of Planck of the quantum formula section E).. 2 c n 1 -5- ---cn ).. exp(k)..T)-l (2 ) into Raleigh's formula" ( 1) in the differential predicted is clearly a systematic is a 2 1 - (- sin -) c 2 1/2 particles, after LIMIT OF NONRELATIVISTIC Raleigh-Jeans of action, to that of a spinless v direction, in that this indeed happens. do(O) in the Born approximation The decrease approximation is degenerates do (1/2) do (0) of the limit in the nonrelativistic QUANTUM is studied in the. classical do (1/2) for a spin 1/2 particle particle of validity to these problems 2. CLASSICAL in the in all scattering we can not prove section and the classical limit, [7], who have from the Planck influences the regions of the classical limit of a quantum istic scattering in the classical [6] and later the trajectory of exact solutions from here that the theory. problems. In the absence conclusion However, do not overlap. We will return opinion, on nuclei. limit. This and Keller with general in a. (of the order of l/fi). This what we are dealing electrons the scattering Born approximation of spin do in the classical limit if the motion over large distances terms to the widespread by Rubinov shown that the spin may classical spin influences limit of of complications [5], the effects was first discussed was further order of relativistic we can not draw a definite to arbitrarily because in connection The electron which scattering that of a. Not all the problems QED arise [4] are just not cross section by this formula seen in experiments ckT E).. o This first example ( 3) in the for spin on the .. ~ feature exhibits of the classical comparing very clearly limit. Namely, the same physical quantity one important we should be (the spectral energy 117 116 density) calculated according to two different It is only in this restricted term classical between limit, always the same concept The second correspondence this principle the intensities equal of quantum of spectral to the intensity the same situation characteristic theories mechanics. lines become Fourier as before According computed to numbers derived riables: the probability defined through charged particle dynamic the study of the classical va- p and the velocity moving current, in an external relation between S/fi of the wave j = v + pv. For a EM field we ob- the real amplitude function and the hydro- variables R2 p (4 ) from the two v introduction density the probability and the phase + this historical wave we have are compared. After the complex by the set of four real hydrodynamic-like R that the same physical (light intensity) was dis- function tain the following classically Again [11], we replace which + asymptotically amplitude". by Madelung formulation, + a crucial of high quantum of radiation from the corresponding covered limit is the played formulation In the hydrodynamic by the two theories. of Bohr, which [9] "in the region 2.1. HydrodynamiC use the in mind a connection of the classical principle role in the discovery having described example theories. sense that we will m -1 (V S e c - + A) (5) let us turn to limit of quantum + The Schrodinger mechanics. equation rewritten in terms of p and v reads Several approaches gate this limit, which differ sical characteristics the quantum bility jectories evaluated problem of the phy- theory. average in this theory with classical was investigated mechanics. equation he derived what called theorem. We will discuss ep ~ represents tensor some aspects Tik - p 4m ViVk £np + mp vivk There are more fi2 is now (7) . solutions to Eqs. (6) than to the Schrodin- the Ehren- a convenient of the classical Tik is This since we have replaced two real functions forsolutions to Eqs. (6) correspond tool solutions to explain (6b) ' Starting here with the help of the hydrodynamic which by itself B)k - Vi Tik the stress by four. Only those mulation, x where ger equation, fest theorem (E + nature for the first time by Ehrenfest [10] in the early days of quantum the Ehrenfest + mdt(pvk) trajectories trajectories. from the Schrodinger (6a) -V (p~) possi- the tra- In view of the statistical we must compare d tP between One natural as those characteristics of particles. mechanics, in the choice to investi- that are to be compared and the classical is to choose of quantum have been developed of the original Schrodinger equation limit. satisfy \' \ the following quantization condition which to 118 f d"t 119 (mY' -* v x + e-* c 2rrnn B) (8) There is no direct contribution to the Ehrenfest equation E (9b) from the stress for every surface construct E. If this does not hold we can not ~ from the condition satisfied -* and v. It is sufficient p (8) on initial values of this tensor to impose equations -* of v to have it where at all times [12] . enters unlike the wave equation, ponding functions limit comes with the recognition n -* 0, the r.h.s. of the separation smaller with there theory. between the decrease is no restriction The Ehrenfest way of taking over the whole results Eq. as the classical this rent fashion con- average luated to anything, the allowed values of n. In the classical equations d -* e«E -* 1- -* <v> c + -- E«r» -* v + - c x the brackets can be obtained from Eqs. (6) -* (6a) by r and integrating Eq. inequality the probability it becomes density but this can not happen (6b). The averages the spreading when -* B» (i.e. integrals to the force eva- and average velocity -*-* B«r» n (9b) with p over the whole space). / .. \' tensor. following for all times due to is caused term i.e. the n-depen- In the classical disappears of classical in an external its classical limit, and the hydrodynamic the form of the equations ensemble when 0 function, This spreading pressure -* 0, the spreading (6) assume to the Dirac uniformly of wave packets. (charged dust) moving quantum-mechanical less and less pronounced shrinks by the so called quantum for a statistical the standard the limit in the form denote because v. particle where x position time in a diffe- counterparts not equal position -*-* The average <v> vary with than their classical < (E + - x B» c (9a) -* modifications do not have the same content of motion. velocity at the average equations m dt<v> are remarkably -* <v> dt<r> equations We may note [13]. force is, in general, -* v -* gets -* -* in the hydrodynamic under nonlinear equations dent term in the stress d appears equation <r> and the average (8) is equi- quantization space and next integrating can be written look; the only place that the Ehrenfest The Ehrenfest (8) In the limit, when on the velocity theorem classical they do not change The above by first multiplying (6b). This is why the Ehrenfest constant of the Schrodinger condition (8) can be made equal because stable; It is worthwhile that Eq. to one of the Bohr-Sommerfeld of the old quantum (6), only the divergence the corres- concepts. limit. The correct ditions with of the quantization in the classical valent Eqs. the Schrodinger compared classical what becomes satisfying obeying can be directly statistical noticing variables because is in the first term of this tensor. here in passing The hydrodynamic Eq. have a purely the Planck equation tensor charged EM field, trajectory. of motion particles each 120 121 2.2. Weyl - Wigner - Moyal transforms operators One can go one step further statistical mechanics the counterpart This method by Moyal the statistical principle In quantum precludes distribution transform mation function mechanics lations Tr{W(q,p)Wt [15] and f(t,~,t) of both the position (WWM transform) gene- and of freedom, (j is rator (q' ,p')} fdr of having fdr (q',p') re- (l2a) (q-q')8 (p_p') Baker-Hausdorff Wigner i in ~. p e""l\l- irPQ efiqP - W(q ,p) (13) as we can get under the (generalized) case of a system with only one the WWM transform uses the formula i - is as close an approxi- function one repetitiously authentic 0 (q,p) of a ope- we adopt and the completeness eigenfunctions the following relations for of q and p, for which normalization conventions by the formula fdqlq><ql o 2TIn8 these relations or its equivalents defined and completeness t (q,p) (1/I 1w(q,P)1/I2) (1/I3Iw(q,P)1/I4)=(1/I111/l4) (1/1311/12). (12b) 1 In proving the uncertainty of t and ~, but the Weyl- In the simplest the help f(t,~,t). the circumstances. degree orthogonality with (r,t). It describes mechanics to the distribution of the following simpler + p the possibility function classical are often made [16]. density distribution function [14] and Wigner distribution the probability the velocity. in quantum of the distribution The classical Moyal and introduce goes back to Weyl was fully developed ralizes in imitating W(q,p) (q,p) Tr{W(q,p) (j }e-~(qpl-pql) 1 (10) = f~2TIfi (14a) Ip><pl !qp <qlp> e rr (14b) where e W(q,p) rri (qP-pQ) (11) With the help of Eq. (12b) we can invert and obtain a representation for 0 the formula in terms (10) of its WWM transform dr(q,p) momentum = (2TIl'l:)-1 dq dp,and operators. to dynamical The definition operators Calculations Q and P are the position i (10) may be applied and to the density involving and the family operators. (j = f ar (q,p) f -fi (qp -pq I ar (q I , p') W (q ,p) e I ) 0 (q I , p') . (15) of unitary The WWM transforms of dynamical operators (also known as 122 123 Xi Weyl representations the expressions cal variables, ducts of these operators) for the corresponding provided we always Wigner functions) distribution classical quantum of density functions. 'l, and dynami- i e W(r,k) (known as (19) In particular, for a pure state we obtain of classical In order to justify this claim + we will express -+- -+- -+- -+- ii(r·K-k.R) -+- -+- pro- operators. matrices are the counterparts ~ with fully symmetrize of Q and P when we construct The WWM transforms coincide in terms of WWM transforms + p(r,k)= the average + + 1 7 J d 3 ~1jJ(r+i)1jJ + ~ * (r-i)exp{-fix·[K+cJdctA(r+i-ctR.)]}.(20) + ~ i7 7 e 7" + X + o value <A> of the dynamical state described operator by the density A evaluated operator in the P, In the derivation zation <A> j dr (q,p)A(q,p)p (q,p) Tr {Ap} formula is obtained from (15) and the same form as in the classical general validity a genuine function: it is nonnegative EM field, we will The it is real of the WWM transform K rather [17] which particles invariant employs than the canonical = mV = the formula version functions the kinetic momentum P, equation P - ~c A . "'" p(r',k')= i (-+- -'"k' "'"k -+-') -J dr(r,k)Tr{W(r,k)p}e -+- "'" -+- -+n r. -·r the simultaneous function dctr'A(R-ct~)]} . (21) n density in it. However, operator Liouville Cl t (18) " Tr{ Wp transformations potential. of the presence taken on of the wave as we shall show now, the for p (~,k,t) does have a simple O. To this end we calculate -+- the invariance limit can not be directly (20), because of motion gauge and of the vector of p (~,k,t), assuming (17) In this case -+- 1 J in Eq. (20) guarantees The classical in an when K "'" line integral of p (~,k) under only for a very re- a gauge + the of the wave introduce i p (q,p) is not even though of charged generali- (13) was used o class of states. To study the motion momentum Despite + fir.p ihr.k . W(~,k)=e e exp{-R[k'R+~ (12a). It has theory. (16), the function distribution and normalized stricted of the following formula (16) i+ This of this formula of the Baker-Hausdorff the time derivative that the time evolution is determined limit, of the by the von Neumann- equation, (t)} For simplicity, -1 (il'i) Tr{ (WH - HW) p (t)} . we have assumed (22) that the EM field is 124 125 time independent. additional Otherwise term in Eq. we would have to include (22): the time derivative an of W. + The calculation simple with of the r.h.s. of the help of the following + -±+ v-±+ [at + V'V' + e(~(r)+-xe(r»'V' rev (22) is made ++ 1 + fi n 1 + V'k - '2 r) W (- I 11 1+ e [-V' + -k + i r 2 c f 0 = + WR k. mentum (23a) (23b) are small + + n 1+ + daarxB(-~V' + -r - ar)]W ~ k 2 = + WK (24a) n 1+ + 7V' + -r-ar)]W ~ k 2 KW , (24b) can be derived with that under the integral the help of in formula (18) we can make the Since - I , 1;! ~ 11 r , , . From Eqs. (18) and A + + CL(r,v,t) Similar of the equations can be variables: from Eq. • (28) (22) only in the sign of we can immediately limit of Eq. write down (28), + + + + + [v'V'r + F(r) 'V'v]ACL(r,v,t) (29) (26a) + where F(r) rator in the square bracket is the Lorentz bracket force. The differential is the Liouville with ope- operator the Hamiltonian: (26b) at ACL 0 and they disappear -(i11)-l Tr {(WH - HW)A(t)} (27) the classical i.e. the Poisson + corrections (25b) + 11 k + 7 V' ~ r' n particles. this differs + + 1'1: r + - I V'k' fields These (25a) at + + k' n. by the substitutions the time evolution for all dynamical the time derivative, from + Ilk + r' can be obtained mo- (21). We also notice replacements 11 of of kinetic fields. (22) determines at Tr {WAtt)} which into powers of charged written + corrections for homogeneous Eq. instead (23-24) in which for slowly varying completely states ~ r relations (25-26) are made, + RW 1+ e 1 + + -k - - J da(l-a)rxB(2 c o [ ~V' All quantum expanding = (27) identities: where we have used the velocity (- I V'k + '2 r) W o , ]p (r,v,t) (22-26) we obtain in the limit, when (30) {ACL' H} . , Since the Hamiltonian is time independent and the Poisson 'l' bracket is invariant particular under under canonical the time translation, transformation, we can write in ,... 126 Eq. 127 (29) in the form ~ + Difficulties + + + + r(t) dynamics. and t(t) obey the equations The solution be written generalize this approach to include field quantization. of this equation, ->- CL r,v,t) therefore, 3. CLASSICAL can moving LIMIT ->- ACL(r(t), v(t),t 0) ( 32) Creation the quantum analogy of the particle trajectory we must specify A(r,v,t) assuming it to be of the position operator QUANTUM ->- ->- R(t), MECHANICS ->- ->- special R(r',v',t)=Jdr(r,k)Tr{W(r,k)R(t)}e a collection the classical equations together with its obeys in the classical static at a time, ever, fields the description interacting mutually, by a potential the nonrelativistic understanding counterparts provided external moving the interaction mechanics of the classical of classical and this is usually framework. fields It is only in the that we may consider variables limits, when since in most of particles because static fields one creation do not take place. can never of the energy case of a uniform n ->- pair creation We will begin is des- of spinless Thus, annihilation in we have a complete limit. Quantum dynamical they tend to their classical each describing At first occur conservation. in How- [18], even in a very electric field one finds con- from the vacuum. in an field or even term in the Hamiltonian. quantum we must in terms of WWM tinuous to the case of many particles (also time dependent) functions, as was shown by Schwinger simple transforms is the fixed number one may think that these processes limit of motion. One can generalize des- . (33) (31), this function (velocity) of wave by external mechanical this new situation of the state vector and annihilation time derivative characteristic case of static particle to Eq. the quantum caused theory. ->-->- -fi(mr·v'-k.r') ->- ->- ->- of a single particle of particles To deal with one component mechanics done in the field-theoretic i ->- whose main introduce ->- the WWM transform cribed and field is not a selfconsistent force us to abandon of particles. ->- ->- quantum and annihilation cription, In order to obtain arbitrary OF RELATIVISTIC in an external fields According theory in the form (->-->- ->- to a relativistic of classical Relativistic A when we try to + a tAC L (r,v ,t)=[ v (t) ."r (t) +F (r (t)) ."v (t)]ACL (r ,v ,t), (31) provided are encountered, only those our discussion particles. Assuming of particles solutions with the simpler that the creation case and do not occur we can consider of the Klein-Gordon equation mechanical exist and [(ina o. 'i ~ - §:A ) (Hia u c ~ e ~ 2 2 -A ) - m c ]~(x) c o , ( 34) 1 .~ ~ 129 128 t "t which describe particles. The time dependence of such · . . f requenc i es (so 1utlons con t alns on 1y POSl.t lve e iw t , w > 0). It turns out that we can easily method of WWM transforms by taking the "square generalize to the relativistic a four-vector c the of 2. To obtain equation riables + - il'idtlP (x) h 1 and hence by considering particle previously the classical fields as compared analog position operator V T~v in va- e C;p f " (36a) (36b) vA where = p , 2R2 (37a) case of basic dynamical and Wigner must be modified for the hydrodynamic of Eq. (27) . to the nonrelativistic As was shown by Newton EM fields. as that v variables. there is o , (o v~) u case even for the interpretation formulation read u d or one anti- fields we can obtain in the relativistic of motion p by a factor (35) the same procedure for static is the clear physical (x) d limit the relativistic is lacking static + e<jl H only one particle at a time. Following described What ~A) 2 c + (-:-'V time dependent The equations c rz:» [c/m c the hydrodynamic no need to exclude situation root" of the Klein-Gordon v~ and scale the density [19], the u = - m -1 Cd u S+~A) c (37b) u in the relativistic and theory and itceases of the external to be identical field. with the argument In other words, the center ~ of mass T can not be identified with the center of charge. why the WWM does not have an unambiguous pretation, theory even though based on Eq. problems it can be formally and deriving physical inter- applied to the again the hydrodynamic from it the relativistic analog Eqs. theory based on the Klein-Gordon in the same manner except formulation of the Ehren- v~ a that we introduce the velocity a~ (lv u v ~np + mp v v (36) can also be written u p u v -,vA is obtained as in the nonrelativistic 4m propagation of the relativistic equation n; p (37c) as the equations Of P and v~ along the stream for the lines, formulation fest theorem. The hydrodynamic = - That is (35). We can shed some light on these by considering 2 ~V -p a u v~ (38a) tr2 e fA v p +d (p-l/2C] pl/2) mc p 2m2 A (38b) case, in the form of \ ) ~ The quantization condition also a relativistic for the velocity form [20]: takes on now 4 l 130 131 fE do ~v [m(8 ~ vv a v v)~ - + e -f ] c ~v = 2rrttn (39) . .} In the classical (38) become moving limit the equations identical in an external condition with those of motion for a charged and apply the Klein-Gordon relativistic compose into the phase dust maining spinor field and the quantization n con- (36) we can obtain analog by integration of the Ehrenfest a the u (u + 0 r P v Pv + PV v 0 f d 3r Ic not appear explicitely + 1+ + appearance of factors case, the Planck constant does in these equations. However, the coincide with the center become of mass of charge between jections for the Dirac the center the Dirac (44) the same as obtained raised o by Pauli, [6,7] are valid in this is basically limit. We may obtain + the obhere. about that of uniqueness different equation is confined, the result fixed while of Pauli. l/n, then small corrections (41) magnetic of fi, which moment, making For example, domain, taking of the behaviour, variables. if we hold the size of the spatial particle limits, the asymptotic 0, of various physical in the classical to which the the limit, then If this size increases to particle trajectories are due to the effects get multiplied as of of the by l/tt and contribute limit. form I believe [.(~na by de Broglie assumptions the order - ~A ) + mc]1jJ from the u classical when IT of charge of Zitterbewegung. It is true that we can rewritte limit resulting different we obtain in the "squared" (43b) since the classical The problem is even more pronounced case owing to the presence c ~ . does not of mass. more complicated The difference and the center f vP AP is essentially vOlc on the l.h.s. is a clear in- of the fact that the center Things (43a) decomposition (40b) c dication u equations: (40a) ep (E + -vXB) As in the nonrelativistic [Y~(ina in the limit, when , 0 = ~mc vA 1jJ= e(i/n)S equation. we may deand the re- + f d3r Ic = u v~) However, 3 exp(iS/n) for theorem: u at m f d r developed In particular, factor field u and obtain 0, the classical + v~a f d 3r equation. (36) or the methods disappears. From Eqs. at to this equation e . u e u 2 2 en u v --A ) (~na --A ) -m c - -0 f U ~ c ~ c 2c ~v '1 o (42) • also contribute how to calculate that the pair creation in the classical contributions processes may limit if we only knew from pair creation summed 1I 133 132 over all orders the external of perturbation theory with respect to means field. large quantum intensity numbers which in turn imply high , of the field. (1 i' In the absence Klein-Gordon of the exact and Dirac pair creation equations in time-varying leave this problem solutions of the that would exhibit external We may give a more this view by noticing field, we must t unresolved. LIMIT OF THE QUANTUM The principal difference limit of the quantum quantum mechanics by Sakurai theory THEORY between was explained and we will begin by quoting diation of the EM field into a Fourier potential -+ is achieved when the number garded as a continuous lopment mates variable. of the classical the dynamical -+L k ,A In contrast, mechanics Newton's the classical is the mechanics equation that in the very beginning and the particle nature This description pondence principle. After only the wave nature viewed as a quantum a certain oscillator number, elements (45) system quantized of the EM field and this can happen and creation as l/In so that the average as l/n. the transition of charged quantum to the classical split let us consider particles, described limit an ar~ by non- mechanics, interacting with the operator of the system can be EM field. The Hamiltonian into three parts of light H limit for the EM (46) HF + HA + HI ' where corres- are the excitations of photons characterizing values values of annihilation go to infinity were appearent". in Bohr's classical go to infinity relativistic it was no coincidence of the EM field and hence the number series, + h.c. limit the average their numbers bitrary of photons. obeying all, photons ik·r for the EM field systematically of a single mass point contained -+ (k,A)a(k,A)e To describe deve- wave of the classical field is also indirectly photon of ra- wave approxi- of trillions of the electron of the becomes The space-time Thus £ 2vw only if matrix [21]. limit of Schrodinger's of motion. in the expansion -+-+ -+ -+ In the classic~l may as well be re- electromagnetic behavior theory of photons number 2 must approach very clearly from his book limit of the quantum so large that the occupation all creation vector operators "The classical multiplies the classical of the EM field and of the of particles Ih '\! ,.f confirming operators A(r) OF THE EM FIELD that argument and annihilation ' •. 4. CLASSICAL formal can be the state of the EM field. Classical limit of '( . -+ HF 3 ~ Jd r 1 oA 2 (~(at) c -+ 2 + (VXA) ) . , (47a) t;~ I , i'" 135 134 S ~ ~ ~ ~. L = a,. HA 1 +2 1 2m. Pi + 2 4.1. Classical eiej L r- 2 ei e. = - L. -m.~ c I ~ + --z-2 : +2 A (r.) ~ + + + p. ·A(r.) + L ~ ~ i 2m.c ~ We will : , (47c) ~ first calculate operator a large number the method described calculation will the colons annihilation denote ordering of creation the sum and study the time evolution in the interaction picture, by the Hamiltonian in which HO = harmonic the time evolution e . -:!:Ht - e tt 0 (48 ) V(t) radiation k Ik> + k limit. Generalization number 1jJ point state vector of the phase c t states In+m> by ¢ ( 52) An arbitrary L follow [22]. The for a single mode of the phase to 1jJ (49) We will , ¢ where . t _ T -fi J0 dT H I (T) exp V (t) _ photon n is a fixed reference function states i.e. only one term in where 00. number papers the classical functions im In + m> + e out i -RHt (¢ ) and m varies from -n can be represented as a eim¢ (53) ¢ L m=-n c n+m and and the scalar product _ i -H 0 t n HI(T) -e H . ~ t --H 110 I (50) e (<I> I '1') J21l d¢ 21l o The EM field evolves to the free Maxwell in the interaction picture Annihilation -+ -+ = L k, A + -+ + E(k,A)a(k,A)e ~ 2 ++ -iwt+ik'r + h.c. q, takes on the form * (¢ ) 'I' (¢) (54) according equations: functions A(r,t) , fi of the is straightforward. wave Hp + HA is separated of photons. first be performed Let us represent of this system elements photon in our recent (51) survives to many modes operators. We will governed normal matrix V(t) between containing of qlectromagnetic where states ,_It I evolution H number (47b) + I i;;tjI +ri-r j ~ limit in terms of photon (51) a vw o + e-i¢ and creation in the following (n + ! i 1-)1/2 3¢ operators act on these wave way, ( 55a) 1 .'<:, {~ 136 at 137 * (n + -+ _8_)1/2 ei~ . 1 (55b) 8~ l i We also obtain 1 8 If the reference selves to values ximate formulas pOint is large and if we restrict of m much smaller T exp VCL(t~~) I~J I ~ . ata -+ n + (56) where our- e i HCL(t)=-l: mc Iii than n, we can appro- t CL dT HI (T)} {-R ~ (59) t~ 2 -+ -+ -+ ei 72 -+ Pi (t) 'ACL(ri,t~~)+~~ACL(ri,t~~). 12m.c (60) 1 (55) by expanding l/In and keeping them into powers of only two lowest terms Formulas a -+ e -i~ _1__ 8 ) owing 1 _8 ) at -+ In (1 + 2ni 8 ~ ei~ (59) and (60) for the evolution same as in the case of a classical (57a) In (1 + 2ni 8~ to the operatorial obtain from them the transition number states. term in the expressions formula the classical I we may keep only the first (57). Since for the vector < n +m V ( t) I n> of field, but ACL' amplitudes we can still Assuming again between photon that only one mode of the we obtain in the classical limit e -im~V CL (t~~) J2Tr d~ 2Tr potential operator (61) _'t' o the representation (57) can be used for every mode, we obtain following external are the limit, when ~ -+ 0 and n -+ 00 in such a way that nn is kept constant (52) and character operator (57b) EM field is important, In the classical the or inversly in limit l: eim~<n+mlv(t) VCL(t~~) In> . (62) m A CL (~t.~)= "'t' -e- \ ) nn(k,A)c 2v k,A w -+L 2 -+-+ -+ -+(k A) -i(wt-k'r+~ (k,A)) h £, e + • c. , Thus, (58) by Fourier external obtain where ~ on the l.h.s. phases. Owing for the collection to its dependence still an operator, as the corresponding this operator stands even though classical into the formula on the phases, Upon photon Having is amplitudes, it has the same appearance object. analysing field with respect transition the evolution to the phase amplitudes opeLator in an of the field we in the limit when n-+oo• of all ACL obtained \' itially mode operator the photon only). the classical we may proceed of the density introducing for V(t) we obtain I limit of the transition to calculate in this limit, the time evolution assuming field was in the n photon In the interaction picture that in- state (one we obtain the formula t "'" 138 139 v ( t) i n> P A < n i V t P (t) under (63) (t) the assumption absorbed where PA is the initial system. equal The atomic density density operator matrix PACt) to the trace of P (t) with respect photons of the atomic photons ~. to the photon L<n+miV(t)in>PA<nivt m (64) (t)in+m> which the depletion system are dealing P A (t) (61) for the matrix elements to the presence of the vector atomic pOint In beam by the systems at a time the ability but scattered Such difference to emit particles systems may ra- in behavior is due 1/1; in the expansion of the factor potential. of the interaction. This is the case for bound levels, or This is true only when we do not possess photons. diate many photons. and using the identity than the number of the photon with not too many with discrete substituting during is negligible. in addition copiously of V and vt smaller did not change other words, atomic states is much in the beam n, so that the reference practically at time t is that the number m of emitted For bound-bound (45) transitions, w can not be very small due to energy conservation,but m for the transition states w can be we arrive atomic L eim(.p-.p ') = 21T <5 (.p -.p') (65) between small and the effective at system emission 21T PA (t) = f 0 d ~ t VCL(t;.p)PA VCL(t;.p) a single Therefore, the density operator the limit of large n is related in the presence averaging quantum of an external operation. classical approach of the atomic EM field through is carried one uses the so-called in the description but it is introduced system to the density Such averaging optics whenever in operator the phase fluence states (for harmonic averaging are equivalent). oscillations system of this section constant between making the the likely. of photons emitted (or absorbed) is large, it is natural significantly (or absorption) to assume by that does not in- the state of the emitters. leads us directly to the concept This of coherent of radiation. out in semi- 4.2. Classical limit in terms of coherent states states manner of the EM field, time and phase Coherent when we assume to a classical, were obtained with infrared appear in a natural that the quantized their appearance All the results more act of emission assumption then as an ad hoc time averaging procedure of photons the atomic coupling and the EM field increases If the number (66) scattering external current. in QED EM field is coupled These states made in QED for the first time in connection divergencies. In their fundamental paper 4 1 1 140 on this subject, crucial mation Bloch assumption interactions and Nordsieck with low energy photons" of electron the EM field. The term coherent century operators [24], who recognized quantum photons states IJ states and Nordsieck of various of continuous by Glauber for Dynamics of the sources these sources are so strong by the emission what happens gencies, current of radiation is justified of photons. in the analysis the effective the decrease of infrared with this is the physical (low frequency) an external coupling low frequencies is strong reason why the emission photons can be described to Hepp matical rigor theory current. is more of the classical to the similarity between limit and the infrared only the appearance of classical when w + O. One may indeed give a physical when + 0 we must w obtain For low frequencies macroscopic exactly features of the radiating vant and they can always be described physics. Moreover argument for low frequencies + author and Classical the weak to this principle variables in co- than values equations this result with unitary operators (unbounded) of particles the use of coherent 0, the expectation the classical using with theory. [27]. It was shown that in All these works were mechanics position of the classical Re- full mathe(cf. formula and momentum of the classical with of quantum of motion. W(q,p) incomplete interacting in terms ope- in one respect: limit of the a field. That is limit is still unresolved. that these limit. are rele- states are defective states in quantum the number fields, way. arbitrary where [25,27]. coherent referring in one important of coherent states limit of quantum used in quantum of the harmonic extent I' when the only exception by classical of the classical of coherent to Refs. [25-28],because only the sources states were used Quantum later formulated studied We will not discuss than. in the limit, the classical i.e. long wavelengths coherent context the problems divergencies currents In a broader of the dynamical were there was no discussion of in the analysis [26]. According [28] proved why the problem There n satisfy cently, rators. of soft in terms values of motion (11)) rather and in the states have the same form as in the classical operators increases coupled principle the limit, when diver- stored limit has been shown between [25], who states by the present (51). As we obconstant of publications. by Klauder Equations This is pre- of w, so that the current field oscillators when that they are practically as can be seen from formula before, herent states of the classical the relation the expectation in of coherent representations, to investigate correspondence of a given external not affected aspects in a large number of a of these states large if the energy The usefulness of for eigenstates quarter must be very field is to be finite. This optics. terms served of coherent the importance The description cisely as given". was introduced after the work of Bloch the of electron in first approxi- is treated leads to the appearance of annihilation [23] made that in the description the motion assumption with ~ I 141 respect. oscillator, mechanics readers mechanics the choice is to a large It is only in the theory states appear With of in a very natural -.. 143 142 There is a vast textbook can find information states literature, about the properties where (cf. for example [29,30,31]). reader has at least a rudimentary one of coherent We hope that the knowledge Disregarding -, '1 we can write 1 teraction discussion of a single mode of radiation with The interaction Hamiltonian operator for this system in the interaction in the form (cf. Refs. eza z> an external There a (t) * (t) a e -iwt + a (t) a t e i1jJe~. (na t +n *)a e e and the evolution [29,30] picture that coherent can quantum or [32]) analogs classical ( 67) t e ina e classical .* ( 68) is 1 where 1'1 . (69) =-nJdTa(T)e~wT o 11jJ is a phase on the vacuum, It is believed 1 states factor which the evolution is unobservable. operator produces Acting Third, the values an external state current ei1jJe-lnI2/2 v (t) 10> eH lin> . einatlo> (70) z 1 (t) in t J state and Iz> intensity of z. This belief the average the product and antihermitian its minimal saturate value of parts of coherent the uncertainty re- of z(t) for a mode driven a(t) are identical case and in the quantum the a + at in the coherent of the hermitian functions lation). a coherent state, whose to z + z*. Second, (gaussian by given mode, facts. First, of the field operator a attains (i.e. the by the intensity is the phase state dispersions states that the coherent value z> is equal field are the radiation of the classical on the following indicate and not by statistical field is characterized zl2 and the phase which are characterized For a single of the operator and e arguments of pure classical states which is the analog an a heuristic of field variables is based 1 t (71) states of the radiation distributions). iwt H e-lnI2/2 form - z alo> the phase. V(t) state in the canonical (70), * t are various values HI in the formula of the in- current. be written the coherent factor of this subject. Let us begin with a brief the phase by in the classical case, iwT (72) dT a (T) e o A coherent another classical herent state is also obtained coherent state. Therefore, currents states. it suffices when V(t) acts on in the world to consider The analogy of states only co,j between coherent can be extended states and pure classical to statistical mixtures of such states. Statistical mixtures of coherent states formed , j 144 145 according to the rules of quantum sity matrix position tained of a mixed mechanics state is equal of the projectors (the denfunction to the super- on the pure states con- I! (J in the mixture) determined This displaces = " d f Z -TI-- 1 follows (73) z> p(z)<zl the variable In the interaction correspond pure classical sity matrices integration to classical states. plane (73) is extended of the variable the EM field is very similar matter mechanics amenable to classical The possibility distribution context function (68) and * + zoa) (zoat exp state by zo0 we obtain z>p(z)<zlv t (t) TI 2 The =Jd/I over the 2 d z+in (t»P(z)<z+in (t)I=J TI zl z>P(z-in (t))<zl. (74) z. in the theory and these two concepts, closely are used to formulate in terms of statistical of d J-zi V(t) This of formula i to the role of WWM trans- of fact, are mathematically Both concepts from formula (73) of den- as the P-representation. The role of the P-representation forms in quantum mixtures The representation is known in the formula complex statistical PI (t) theory. z of the coherent picture 2 should whole statement from the fact that the operator 2 P by the classical --H n t 0 . t to the Schrodinger i -H PI (t) en picture reads t 0 related. the quantum distributions P (t) as a e translated which theory e are in turn 2 Jd TI zIZ>P(z-in(t»<zl -~wa a interpretation. to interpret P(z) as a classical was stressed by Sudarshan of the so-called optical equivalence d2 z J --TI 1 . . t z>P(ze ~wt. - ~n(t)e ~w )<z 1 (75) in the theorem in time described The change by the formula (cf. Ref. 29 p. 192). We are now ready to state the following correspondence ternal currents property valid for systems (for simplicity, classical driven P t (z) p(zeiwt _ in(t)eiwt) we give it for one mode): is the same as the change The time evolution pressed p(z), as the change coincides with of the density matrix, in time of the weight the change ( 76) by ex- predicted when ex- by the classical have obtained function of the distribution 1) i IJ of the distribution theory. the same result, P(z) with P (q,p,t) and solving oscillator. All the results function For example, equating we would the function Eq. (27) for the harmonic obtained in this subsection , 146 147 can be generalized to include many modes In most instances inserting this generalization sums over all the modes of the EM fields. will of the radiation and it will not lead to any clarification important problem. use external, and whether Under what precise classical literature with the paper by Bloch the use of classical Hence, to describe a transition and Nordsieck currents we can then obtain we can d~ • low frequencies = r0 2 (78) by either taking the limit of the energy-momentum p not ~ + bk = ~ determined current by the requirements conservation and long wavelenghts, electron, as if the photons wave vectors and the keeping limit With the help of these one can establish quantum results of Lorentz low-frequency also the connection in several the Klein-Nishina amplitudes formula simple equal is the simultaneous between theorems, classical For example, and from 2 ro dn '2 2 --(l-cose) 2 1 + cos e {l+mc nUl 2 2 nUl [H (l-cose) --2] (Hcose) [1+ (l-cose) --2 mc mc transi- for finite amounts over soft-photon to some extent, by Brown the main part of the change to some unspecified with an in- and even in the electron four- the soft photons. in four-momentum nonelectromagnetic and it was not shown that the change is introduced /I lW :ii and Goble contributions a change i:i',' interactions. They have been able to perform However, to photons 9.Ii. obtained due to the interaction actions n to zero Such a simultaneous momentum attributed scattering with beam to infinity, in electromagnetic some results summation to include, finite. and the to be difficult transition if we are to account [34] are encouraging. finite seems of the photon transfered In this respect properties. the Compton being as the initial had the frequencies to zero. What their product of energy are uniquely or low-energy cases. describing ampli- invariance, analytic are kept fixed when we take the limit b ~ 0, then even virtual after it was shown and some simple four-momenta must have the same momenta limits of QED transition 0. Ul ~ a result at each vertex: electrons limit and the low-frequency that such soft-photon the limit is simply conservation ~ tion is essential by Low [33] ° or but also as of the quantum studied ~ q . If the electron to achieve tudes have been extensively n of the two limits and with the intensity The low-frequency formula 2 (1 + cos e) This equivalence starting descriptions. 4.3. Classical Thompson 1 for very soft numbers the classica 2 dO' limit. From limit is understood the equivalence one obtains U [23] we learn that case of large photon to very field the sources problems is justified if the classical only as limiting classical conditions on the infrared I. of the one very this can be done in the classical the existing photons. currents just involve in a self-consistent was inter- attributed way. nUl 2 Complete } .] , (77) program. scattering II II calculation still remains Even in a very simple of an electron, the bremsstrahlung spectrum an unfulfilled case of the Coulomb the classical [35], formula for ~ ~4l ... 149 148 I wish 222 l~ ~ (~)2 3 c mc 2 I (w) 2 (Amv ) Ze 2w (~)2 ~n v has not been obtained connected (79) fj have convinced troduction from full QED in the classical to end here my review with the classical of various you that the first sentence is indeed topics limit of QED, hoping to of the In- true. If limit. 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