What is a Gauge Transformation in Quantum Mechanics?

Carlo Rovelli
Phys. Rev. Lett. 80, 4613 – Published 25 May 1998; Erratum Phys. Rev. Lett. 81, 4530 (1998)
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Abstract

In classical theory, a physical state is an equivalence class under gauge transformations. Is the same true in quantum theory? The physical quantum states are the solutions of Dirac's quantum constraint equation. They cannot be constructed as equivalence classes under the “simple” gauge transformations generated by the Dirac constraints. However, we show here that they can be constructed as equivalence classes under suitably defined “complete” gauge transformations. The complete gauge transformations are generated by the action of the quantum constraints on arbitrary individual components of the state.

  • Received 27 January 1998

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.80.4613

©1998 American Physical Society

Erratum

Authors & Affiliations

Carlo Rovelli*

  • Physics Department, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260

  • *Electronic address: rovelli@pitt.edu

Comments & Replies

Comment on “What is a Gauge Transformation in Quantum Mechanics?”

N. P. Landsman
Phys. Rev. Lett. 83, 1070 (1999)

Rovelli Replies:

Carlo Rovelli
Phys. Rev. Lett. 83, 1071 (1999)

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Vol. 80, Iss. 21 — 25 May 1998

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