32nd Annual Student Research Conference
Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics in Phase-Space
Francesco Setti
Prof. Taner Edis, Faculty Mentor
We try to find an interpretation of the phase-space formulation of quantum mechanics, exploring whether the quasi-probabilistic distributions described by Wigner functions might represent particle currents in time. Since Wigner functions are difficult to visualize and to work with, we decided to focus on simple systems. So far, we have analyzed the quantum mechanical phase-space description of a free particle and the simple harmonic oscillator. These models gave us a rough idea of what Wigner functions look like for some familiar systems. I mostly worked on the simple harmonic oscillator. Our current goal is to learn how to think about particles in terms of currents and densities, rather than a known position in phase-space.
Keywords: Quantum mechanics, Wigner function, Simple harmonic oscillator
Topic(s):Physics
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 210-4
Location: MC 211
Time: 11:00