Abstract
Classical periodic orbits are stationary-phase points in path integral representations of quantum propagators. We show that complex solutions of the stationary-phase equation, not corresponding to real classical periodic orbits, give additional contributions to the propagator which can be important, especially near bifurcations. We reveal the existence and relevance of such periodic ghost orbits for a kicked top.
- Received 26 May 1993
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.71.2167
©1993 American Physical Society