Feynman path-integral

Andreas Topp

23. Juni 2014

1 Motivation

2 Derivation

3 Example - Free Particle

4 Wick-Rotation

5 Conclusion
 Classical Mechanics - Review

Feynman
path-integral The basics:
Andreas Topp
Lagrangian function L = T V
Motivation T : Kinetic energy
Derivation V : Potential energy
Rt
Example -
Free Particle
Action S = t01 Ldt
Wick-Rotation

Conclusion

Hamiltons principle of stationary action:

S = 0  
d L L
EulerLagrange equations: dt qi qi =0
Equations of motion
Classical path
3 / 24
 Classical Mechanics - Review

Feynman
path-integral The basics:
Andreas Topp
Lagrangian function L = T V
Motivation T : Kinetic energy
Derivation V : Potential energy
Rt
Example -
Free Particle
Action S = t01 Ldt
Wick-Rotation

Conclusion

Hamiltons principle of stationary action:

S = 0  
d L L
EulerLagrange equations: dt qi qi =0
Equations of motion
Classical path
3 / 24
 Classical Mechanics - Review

Feynman
path-integral The basics:
Andreas Topp
Lagrangian function L = T V
Motivation T : Kinetic energy
Derivation V : Potential energy
Rt
Example -
Free Particle
Action S = t01 Ldt
Wick-Rotation

Conclusion

Hamiltons principle of stationary action:

S = 0  
d L L
EulerLagrange equations: dt qi qi =0
Equations of motion
Classical path
3 / 24
 Classical Mechanics - Review

Feynman
path-integral The basics:
Andreas Topp
Lagrangian function L = T V
Motivation T : Kinetic energy
Derivation V : Potential energy
Rt
Example -
Free Particle
Action S = t01 Ldt
Wick-Rotation

Conclusion

Hamiltons principle of stationary action:

S = 0  
d L L
EulerLagrange equations: dt qi qi =0
Equations of motion
Classical path
3 / 24
 Classical Mechanics - Review

Feynman
path-integral The basics:
Andreas Topp
Lagrangian function L = T V
Motivation T : Kinetic energy
Derivation V : Potential energy
Rt
Example -
Free Particle
Action S = t01 Ldt
Wick-Rotation

Conclusion

Hamiltons principle of stationary action:

S = 0  
d L L
EulerLagrange equations: dt qi qi =0
Equations of motion
Classical path
3 / 24
 Classical Mechanics - Review

Feynman
path-integral The basics:
Andreas Topp
Lagrangian function L = T V
Motivation T : Kinetic energy
Derivation V : Potential energy
Rt
Example -
Free Particle
Action S = t01 Ldt
Wick-Rotation

Conclusion

Hamiltons principle of stationary action:

S = 0  
d L L
EulerLagrange equations: dt qi qi =0
Equations of motion
Classical path
3 / 24
 Classical Mechanics - Review

Feynman
path-integral The basics:
Andreas Topp
Lagrangian function L = T V
Motivation T : Kinetic energy
Derivation V : Potential energy
Rt
Example -
Free Particle
Action S = t01 Ldt
Wick-Rotation

Conclusion

Hamiltons principle of stationary action:

S = 0  
d L L
EulerLagrange equations: dt qi qi =0
Equations of motion
Classical path
3 / 24
 Concept

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp
Question: Going to QM, can we use the action S, so that in
the classical limes, we end up with S = 0 again?
Motivation

Derivation

Example - Time evolution of a quantum state vector propagation

Free Particle
of an amplitude in configuration space
Wick-Rotation Z
Conclusion
(xf , tf ) = hxf |U(tf , ti )|xi i(xi , ti )dxi

Propagator K S :

K S (xf , tf , xi , ti ) = hxf |U(tf , ti )|xi i

4 / 24
 Concept

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp
Question: Going to QM, can we use the action S, so that in
the classical limes, we end up with S = 0 again?
Motivation

Derivation

Example - Time evolution of a quantum state vector propagation

Free Particle
of an amplitude in configuration space
Wick-Rotation Z
Conclusion
(xf , tf ) = hxf |U(tf , ti )|xi i(xi , ti )dxi

Propagator K S :

K S (xf , tf , xi , ti ) = hxf |U(tf , ti )|xi i

4 / 24
 The time evolution operator

Feynman
path-integral
Schrodingers Equation:
Andreas Topp i~ t |(t)i = H|(t)i
Motivation t (~r , t) i
i~ t (~r , t) = H (~r , t) = H
Derivation (~r , t) ~
Example -
Free Particle Time Evolution:
Wick-Rotation (~r , t) = U(t) 0 (~r )
Conclusion
Zt

t U(t) i i
= H ln(U(t)) = T dt 0 H
U(t) ~ ~
0

i Zt


U(t) = T exp dt 0 H , T : time ordering operator
~
0
5 / 24
 The time evolution operator

Feynman
path-integral
Schrodingers Equation:
Andreas Topp i~ t |(t)i = H|(t)i
Motivation t (~r , t) i
i~ t (~r , t) = H (~r , t) = H
Derivation (~r , t) ~
Example -
Free Particle Time Evolution:
Wick-Rotation (~r , t) = U(t) 0 (~r )
Conclusion
Zt

t U(t) i i
= H ln(U(t)) = T dt 0 H
U(t) ~ ~
0

i Zt


U(t) = T exp dt 0 H , T : time ordering operator
~
0
5 / 24
 The time evolution operator

Feynman
path-integral
Schrodingers Equation:
Andreas Topp i~ t |(t)i = H|(t)i
Motivation t (~r , t) i
i~ t (~r , t) = H (~r , t) = H
Derivation (~r , t) ~
Example -
Free Particle Time Evolution:
Wick-Rotation (~r , t) = U(t) 0 (~r )
Conclusion
Zt

t U(t) i i
= H ln(U(t)) = T dt 0 H
U(t) ~ ~
0

i Zt


U(t) = T exp dt 0 H , T : time ordering operator
~
0
5 / 24
 The time evolution operator

Feynman
path-integral
Schrodingers Equation:
Andreas Topp i~ t |(t)i = H|(t)i
Motivation t (~r , t) i
i~ t (~r , t) = H (~r , t) = H
Derivation (~r , t) ~
Example -
Free Particle Time Evolution:
Wick-Rotation (~r , t) = U(t) 0 (~r )
Conclusion
Zt

t U(t) i i
= H ln(U(t)) = T dt 0 H
U(t) ~ ~
0

i Zt


U(t) = T exp dt 0 H , T : time ordering operator
~
0
5 / 24
 The time evolution operator

Feynman
path-integral
Schrodingers Equation:
Andreas Topp i~ t |(t)i = H|(t)i
Motivation t (~r , t) i
i~ t (~r , t) = H (~r , t) = H
Derivation (~r , t) ~
Example -
Free Particle Time Evolution:
Wick-Rotation (~r , t) = U(t) 0 (~r )
Conclusion
Zt

t U(t) i i
= H ln(U(t)) = T dt 0 H
U(t) ~ ~
0

i Zt


U(t) = T exp dt 0 H , T : time ordering operator
~
0
5 / 24
 Concept

Feynman
path-integral Question: Going to QM, can we use the action S, so that in
Andreas Topp the classical limes, we end up with S = 0 again?
Motivation

Derivation
Time evolution of a quantum state vector propagation
Example -
Free Particle of an amplitude in configuration space
Z
Wick-Rotation

Conclusion
(xf , tf ) = hxf |U(tf , ti )|xi i(xi , ti )dxi

Propagator K S :

K S (xf , tf , xi , ti ) = hxf |U(tf , ti )|xi i

i
= hxf |e ~ H(tf ti ) |xi i

6 / 24
 Concept

Feynman
path-integral Question: Going to QM, can we use the action S, so that in
Andreas Topp the classical limes, we end up with S = 0 again?
Motivation

Derivation
Time evolution of a quantum state vector propagation
Example -
Free Particle of an amplitude in configuration space
Z
Wick-Rotation

Conclusion
(xf , tf ) = hxf |U(tf , ti )|xi i(xi , ti )dxi

Propagator K S :

K S (xf , tf , xi , ti ) = hxf |U(tf , ti )|xi i

i
= hxf |e ~ H(tf ti ) |xi i

6 / 24
 Derivation

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp

Motivation K S (xf , tf , xi , ti ) = hxf |U(tf , ti )|xi i

i
Derivation
= hxf |e ~ H(tf ti ) |xi i
Example -
Free Particle

Wick-Rotation

Conclusion

tf ti
t =
N
 i N
K S (xf , tf , xi , ti ) = hxf | e ~ Ht |xi i

7 / 24
 Derivation

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp K S (xf , tf , xi , ti ) = hxf |U(tf , ti )|xi i

i
Motivation
= hxf |e ~ H(tf ti ) |xi i
Derivation

Example -
Free Particle

Wick-Rotation

Conclusion

tf ti
t =
N

 i N
K S (xf , tf , xi , ti ) = hxf | e ~ Ht |xi i
7 / 24
 Derivation

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp K S (xf , tf , xi , ti ) = hxf |U(tf , ti )|xi i

i
Motivation
= hxf |e ~ H(tf ti ) |xi i
Derivation

Example -
Free Particle

Wick-Rotation

Conclusion

tf ti
t =
N

 i N
K S (xf , tf , xi , ti ) = hxf | e ~ Ht |xi i
7 / 24
 Derivation

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp

Motivation

Derivation

Example -
Free Particle  i N
Wick-Rotation K S (xf , tf , xi , ti ) = hxf | e ~ Ht |xi i
Conclusion

8 / 24
 Derivation

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp

Motivation

Derivation
 i N
Example -
Free Particle
K S (xf , tf , xi , ti ) = hxf | e ~ Ht |xi i
Wick-Rotation Z N1
Y i i
Conclusion = dxk hxN |e ~ Ht |xN1 ihxN1 |e ~ Ht |xN2 ihxN2 |
k=1
i
...|x1 ihx1 |e ~ Ht |x0 i

8 / 24
 Derivation

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp

Motivation

Derivation
 i N
Example -
Free Particle
K S (xf , tf , xi , ti ) = hxf | e ~ Ht |xi i
Wick-Rotation Z N1
Y i i
Conclusion = dxk hxN |e ~ Ht |xN1 i hxN1 |e ~ Ht |xN2 i...
k=1
i
...hx1 |e ~ Ht |x0 i

8 / 24
 Derivation

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp

Motivation

Derivation
i
Example - hx|e ~ Ht |x 0 i Trotter-Suzuki slicing:
Free Particle
i i
Wick-Rotation hx|e ~ T t e ~ V t |x 0 i
e(A+B) = eA eB + O(2 )
Conclusion ~i T t 0 ~i V (x 0 )t
= hx|e |x ie A A
e(A+B) = e 2 eB e 2 + O(3 )

9 / 24
 Derivation

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp

Motivation

Derivation
i
Example - hx|e ~ Ht |x 0 i Trotter-Suzuki slicing:
Free Particle
i i
Wick-Rotation hx|e ~ T t e ~ V t |x 0 i
e(A+B) = eA eB + O(2 )
Conclusion ~i T t 0 ~i V (x 0 )t
= hx|e |x ie A A
e(A+B) = e 2 eB e 2 + O(3 )

9 / 24
 Derivation

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp

Motivation
i
Derivation
hx|e ~ Ht |x 0 i Trotter-Suzuki slicing:
Example -
i i
hx|e ~ T t e ~ V t |x 0 i
Free Particle

Wick-Rotation
i i 0 )t
e(A+B) = eA eB + O(2 )
Conclusion = hx|e ~ T t |x 0 ie ~ V (x A A
e(A+B) = e 2 eB e 2 + O(3 )

9 / 24
 Derivation

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp

Motivation
i
Derivation
hx|e ~ Ht |x 0 i Trotter-Suzuki slicing:
Example -
i i
hx|e ~ T t e ~ V t |x 0 i
Free Particle

Wick-Rotation
i i 0 )t
e(A+B) = eA eB + O(2 )
Conclusion = hx|e ~ T t |x 0 ie ~ V (x A A
e(A+B) = e 2 eB e 2 + O(3 )

9 / 24
 Derivation

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp
i
hx|e ~ T t |x 0 i Intermediate steps:
Motivation
i p 2
Derivation
= hx|e ~ 2m t |x 0 i
Z
Example -
Free Particle
Z
i p 2
1= dp |pihp|
Wick-Rotation
= dp hx|e ~ 2m t |pihp|x 0 i
Conclusion
Z
i p2 r
= dp hx|pie ~ 2m t hp|x 0 i 1 i
hx|pi = e ~ px
Z 2~
1 i p2 i 0
= dp e ~ 2m t e ~ p(xx ) Z r
2~ ay 2 +by b2
dy e = e 4a
a
r
m im(xx 0 )2
= e 2~t
i2~t

10 / 24
 Derivation

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp
i
hx|e ~ T t |x 0 i Intermediate steps:
Motivation
i p 2
Derivation
= hx|e ~ 2m t |x 0 i
Z
Example -
Free Particle
Z
i p 2
1= dp |pihp|
Wick-Rotation
= dp hx|e ~ 2m t |pihp|x 0 i
Conclusion
Z
i p2 r
= dp hx|pie ~ 2m t hp|x 0 i 1 i
hx|pi = e ~ px
Z 2~
1 i p2 i 0
= dp e ~ 2m t e ~ p(xx ) Z r
2~ ay 2 +by b2
dy e = e 4a
a
r
m im(xx 0 )2
= e 2~t
i2~t

10 / 24
 Derivation

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp
i
hx|e ~ T t |x 0 i Intermediate steps:
Motivation
i p 2
Derivation
= hx|e ~ 2m t |x 0 i
Z
Example -
Free Particle
Z
i p 2
1= dp |pihp|
Wick-Rotation
= dp hx|e ~ 2m t |pihp|x 0 i
Conclusion
Z
i p2 r
= dp hx|pie ~ 2m t hp|x 0 i 1 i
hx|pi = e ~ px
Z 2~
1 i p2 i 0
= dp e ~ 2m t e ~ p(xx ) Z r
2~ ay 2 +by b2
dy e = e 4a
a
r
m im(xx 0 )2
= e 2~t
i2~t

10 / 24
 Derivation

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp
i
hx|e ~ T t |x 0 i Intermediate steps:
Motivation
i p 2
Derivation
= hx|e ~ 2m t |x 0 i
Z
Example -
Free Particle
Z
i p 2
1= dp |pihp|
Wick-Rotation
= dp hx|e ~ 2m t |pihp|x 0 i
Conclusion
Z
i p2 r
= dp hx|pie ~ 2m t hp|x 0 i 1 i
hx|pi = e ~ px
Z 2~
1 i p2 i 0
= dp e ~ 2m t e ~ p(xx ) Z r
2~ ay 2 +by b2
dy e = e 4a
a
r
m im(xx 0 )2
= e 2~t
i2~t

10 / 24
 Derivation

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp
i
hx|e ~ T t |x 0 i Intermediate steps:
Motivation
i p 2
Derivation
= hx|e ~ 2m t |x 0 i
Z
Example -
Free Particle
Z
i p 2
1= dp |pihp|
Wick-Rotation
= dp hx|e ~ 2m t |pihp|x 0 i
Conclusion
Z
i p2 r
= dp hx|pie ~ 2m t hp|x 0 i 1 i
hx|pi = e ~ px
Z 2~
1 i p2 i 0
= dp e ~ 2m t e ~ p(xx ) Z r
2~ ay 2 +by b2
dy e = e 4a
a
r
m im(xx 0 )2
= e 2~t
i2~t

10 / 24
 Derivation

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp
 i N
K S (xf , tf , xi , ti ) = hxf | e ~ Ht |xi i
Motivation
Z N1
Derivation Y i i
Example -
= dxk hxN |e ~ Ht |xN1 i hxN1 |e ~ Ht |xN2 i...
Free Particle k=1
Wick-Rotation i

Conclusion
...hx1 |e ~ Ht |x0 i

Z N1
F
Y m  N2

K (xf , tf , xi , ti ) = lim dxk
N i2~t
k=1
N
( )
m xk xk1 2
 
i X
exp t V (xk1 )
~ 2 t
k=1

11 / 24
 Derivation

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp
 i N
K S (xf , tf , xi , ti ) = hxf | e ~ Ht |xi i
Motivation
Z N1
Derivation Y 2 i
Example -
dxk e(xN xN1 ) eV (xN1 ) hxN1 |e ~ Ht |xN2 i...
Free Particle k=1
Wick-Rotation i

Conclusion
...hx1 |e ~ Ht |x0 i

Z N1
F
Y m  N2

K (xf , tf , xi , ti ) = lim dxk
N i2~t
k=1
N
( )
m xk xk1 2
 
i X
exp t V (xk1 )
~ 2 t
k=1

11 / 24
 Derivation

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp
 i N
K S (xf , tf , xi , ti ) = hxf | e ~ Ht |xi i
Motivation
Z N1
Derivation Y 2 2
Example -
dxk e(xN xN1 ) eV (xN1 ) e(xN1 xN2 ) eV (xN2 )
Free Particle k=1
Wick-Rotation i

Conclusion
...hx1 |e ~ Ht |x0 i

Z N1
F
Y  m  N2
K (xf , tf , xi , ti ) = lim dxk
N i2~t
k=1
N
( )
m xk xk1 2
 
i X
exp t V (xk1 )
~ 2 t
k=1

11 / 24
 Derivation

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp  i N
K S (xf , tf , xi , ti ) = hxf | e ~ Ht |xi i
Motivation
Z N1
Derivation Y N 2 2
Example -
dxk 2 e(xN xN1 ) eV (xN1 ) e(xN1 xN2 ) eV (xN2 )
Free Particle k=1
Wick-Rotation (x1 x0 )2 V (x0 )
...e e
Conclusion

Z N1
F
Y  m  N2
K (xf , tf , xi , ti ) = lim dxk
N i2~t
k=1
N
( )
m xk xk1 2
 
i X
exp t V (xk1 )
~ 2 t
k=1

11 / 24
 Derivation

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp  i N
K S (xf , tf , xi , ti ) = hxf | e ~ Ht |xi i
Motivation
Z N1
Derivation Y N 2 2
Example -
dxk 2 e(xN xN1 ) eV (xN1 ) e(xN1 xN2 ) eV (xN2 )
Free Particle k=1
Wick-Rotation (x1 x0 )2 V (x0 )
...e e
Conclusion

Z N1
F
Y  m  N2
K (xf , tf , xi , ti ) = lim dxk
N i2~t
k=1
N
( )
m xk xk1 2
 
i X
exp t V (xk1 )
~ 2 t
k=1

11 / 24
 Derivation

Feynman
path-integral
Z N1
Andreas Topp Y m  N2

K F (xf , tf , xi , ti ) = lim dxk
Motivation N i2~t
k=1
Derivation ( N
)
m xk xk1 2
 
i X
Example -
Free Particle
exp t V (xk1 )
~ 2 t
Wick-Rotation k=1
Conclusion
Continuity
N  2 Ztf  2
X m xk xk1 m dx
t dt
2 t 2 dt
k=1 ti

N
X Ztf
t V (xk1 ) dt V (x(t))
k=1 ti
12 / 24
 Derivation

Feynman
path-integral
Z N1
Andreas Topp Y m  N2

K F (xf , tf , xi , ti ) = lim dxk
Motivation N i2~t
k=1
Derivation ( N
)
m xk xk1 2
 
i X
Example -
Free Particle
exp t V (xk1 )
~ 2 t
Wick-Rotation k=1
Conclusion
Continuity
N  2 Ztf  2
X m xk xk1 m dx
t dt
2 t 2 dt
k=1 ti

N
X Ztf
t V (xk1 ) dt V (x(t))
k=1 ti
12 / 24
 Derivation

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp

Motivation

Derivation

Example - Diverential:
Free Particle x(t + t) x(t) dx
lim =
Wick-Rotation t0 t dt
Conclusion

13 / 24
 Derivation

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp

Motivation

Derivation
Diverential:
Example -
Free Particle
xk (t + t) xk1 (t) dx
Wick-Rotation lim = ??
Conclusion
t0 t dt

13 / 24
 Derivation

Feynman
path-integral
Diverential:
Andreas Topp

xk (t + t) xk1 (t) dx
Motivation
lim =
Derivation t0 t dt
Example -
Free Particle

Wick-Rotation

Conclusion

13 / 24
 Derivation

Feynman
path-integral
Z N1
Andreas Topp Y m  N2

K F (xf , tf , xi , ti ) = lim dxk
Motivation N i2~t
k=1
Derivation ( N
)
m xk xk1 2
 
i X
Example -
Free Particle
exp t V (xk1 )
~ 2 t
Wick-Rotation k=1
Conclusion
Continuity
N  2 Ztf  2
X m xk xk1 m dx
t dt
2 t 2 dt
k=1 ti

N
X Ztf
t V (xk1 ) dt V (x(t))
k=1 ti
14 / 24
 Derivation

Feynman
path-integral
(xZf ,tf )
Andreas Topp i
F
K (xf , tf , xi , ti ) = D[x(t)] e ~ S[x(t)]
Motivation
(xi ,ti )
Derivation

Example -
Free Particle with
Wick-Rotation Z N1
m  N2
Z Y 
Conclusion D[x(t)] = lim dxk
N i2~t
k=1

Ztf
S[x(t)] = dt L[x(t)]
ti
 2
m dx
L[x(t)] = V (x(t))
2 dt
15 / 24
 Remarks

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp (xZf ,tf )

i
F
Motivation K (xf , tf , xi , ti ) = D[x(t)] e ~ S[x(t)]
Derivation
(xi ,ti )
Example -
Free Particle

Wick-Rotation Remarks
Conclusion not only classical path S = 0, but all possible paths
classical limit (~ 0): saddle-point gives only
contribution S = 0
assumption of continuity
convergence of the prefactor
alternative access to QM, without Schrodingers equation

16 / 24
 Remarks

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp (xZf ,tf )

i
F
Motivation K (xf , tf , xi , ti ) = D[x(t)] e ~ S[x(t)]
Derivation
(xi ,ti )
Example -
Free Particle

Wick-Rotation Remarks
Conclusion not only classical path S = 0, but all possible paths
classical limit (~ 0): saddle-point gives only
contribution S = 0
assumption of continuity
convergence of the prefactor
alternative access to QM, without Schrodingers equation

16 / 24
 Remarks

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp (xZf ,tf )

i
F
Motivation K (xf , tf , xi , ti ) = D[x(t)] e ~ S[x(t)]
Derivation
(xi ,ti )
Example -
Free Particle

Wick-Rotation Remarks
Conclusion not only classical path S = 0, but all possible paths
classical limit (~ 0): saddle-point gives only
contribution S = 0
assumption of continuity
convergence of the prefactor
alternative access to QM, without Schrodingers equation

16 / 24
 Remarks

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp (xZf ,tf )

i
F
Motivation K (xf , tf , xi , ti ) = D[x(t)] e ~ S[x(t)]
Derivation
(xi ,ti )
Example -
Free Particle

Wick-Rotation Remarks
Conclusion not only classical path S = 0, but all possible paths
classical limit (~ 0): saddle-point gives only
contribution S = 0
assumption of continuity
convergence of the prefactor
alternative access to QM, without Schrodingers equation

16 / 24
 Remarks

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp (xZf ,tf )

i
F
Motivation K (xf , tf , xi , ti ) = D[x(t)] e ~ S[x(t)]
Derivation
(xi ,ti )
Example -
Free Particle

Wick-Rotation Remarks
Conclusion not only classical path S = 0, but all possible paths
classical limit (~ 0): saddle-point gives only
contribution S = 0
assumption of continuity
convergence of the prefactor
alternative access to QM, without Schrodingers equation

16 / 24
 The Free Particle

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp Lagrangian function:

Motivation
 2
m dx
Derivation L= V
 (x)

2 dt
Example -
Free Particle

Wick-Rotation
Propagator:
Conclusion
Z N1
Y  m  N2
K0F (xf , tf , xi , ti ) = lim dxk
N i2~t
k=1
N
( )
im X
exp (xk xk1 )2
2~t
k=1

17 / 24
 The Free Particle

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp Lagrangian function:

Motivation
 2
m dx
Derivation L= V
 (x)

2 dt
Example -
Free Particle

Wick-Rotation
Propagator:
Conclusion
Z N1
Y  m  N2
K0F (xf , tf , xi , ti ) = lim dxk
N i2~t
k=1
N
( )
im X
exp (xk xk1 )2
2~t
k=1

17 / 24
 Step-by-step integration

Feynman
path-integral First integral:
Andreas Topp
Z
m  22
 
 im  2 2

Motivation
exp (x2 x1 ) + (x1 x0 ) dx1
Derivation i2~t 2~t

Example -
Free Particle  m 1 
im

2 2
Wick-Rotation = exp (x2 x0 )
i2~t 2 2~t 2
Conclusion

m

1 im
x2 )2

Multiply by: i2~t
2
exp 2~t (x3

Second integral:
 m 1 
im

2
= exp (x3 x0 )2
i2~t 3 2~t 3

18 / 24
 Step-by-step integration

Feynman
path-integral First integral:
Andreas Topp
Z
m  22
 
 im  2 2

Motivation
exp (x2 x1 ) + (x1 x0 ) dx1
Derivation i2~t 2~t

Example -
Free Particle  m 1 
im

2 2
Wick-Rotation = exp (x2 x0 )
i2~t 2 2~t 2
Conclusion

m

1 im
x2 )2

Multiply by: i2~t
2
exp 2~t (x3

Second integral:
 m 1 
im

2
= exp (x3 x0 )2
i2~t 3 2~t 3

18 / 24
 Step-by-step integration

Feynman
path-integral First integral:
Andreas Topp
Z
m  22
 
 im  2 2

Motivation
exp (x2 x1 ) + (x1 x0 ) dx1
Derivation i2~t 2~t

Example -
Free Particle  m 1 
im

2 2
Wick-Rotation = exp (x2 x0 )
i2~t 2 2~t 2
Conclusion

m

1 im
x2 )2

Multiply by: i2~t
2
exp 2~t (x3

Second integral:
 m 1 
im

2
= exp (x3 x0 )2
i2~t 3 2~t 3

18 / 24
 Step-by-step integration

Feynman
path-integral First integral:
Andreas Topp
Z
m  22
 
 im  2 2

Motivation
exp (x2 x1 ) + (x1 x0 ) dx1
Derivation i2~t 2~t

Example -
Free Particle  m 1 
im

2 2
Wick-Rotation = exp (x2 x0 )
i2~t 2 2~t 2
Conclusion

m

1 im
x2 )2

Multiply by: i2~t
2
exp 2~t (x3

Second integral:
 m 1 
im

2
= exp (x3 x0 )2
i2~t 3 2~t 3

18 / 24
 The Free Particle

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp

Motivation tf ti
reminder: t =
Derivation N
Example -
Free Particle
After n 1 steps:
Wick-Rotation

Conclusion  m 1 
im

2
K0F (xf , tf , xi , ti ) = lim exp (xf xi ) 2
N i2~Nt 2~Nt
1
im(xf xi )2
  
m 2
= exp
i2~(tf ti ) 2~(tf ti )

19 / 24
 The Free Particle

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp

Motivation tf ti
reminder: t =
Derivation N
Example -
Free Particle
After n 1 steps:
Wick-Rotation

Conclusion  m 1 
im

2
K0F (xf , tf , xi , ti ) = lim exp (xf xi ) 2
N i2~Nt 2~Nt
1
im(xf xi )2
  
m 2
= exp
i2~(tf ti ) 2~(tf ti )

19 / 24
 The Free Particle

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp

Motivation tf ti
reminder: t =
Derivation N
Example -
Free Particle
After n 1 steps:
Wick-Rotation

Conclusion  m 1 
im

2
K0F (xf , tf , xi , ti ) = lim exp (xf xi ) 2
N i2~Nt 2~Nt
1
im(xf xi )2
  
m 2
= exp
i2~(tf ti ) 2~(tf ti )

19 / 24
 Wick-Rotation

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp Rotating time-axis Euclidean definition of the path integral

Motivation

Derivation

Example -
Free Particle

Wick-Rotation

Conclusion

20 / 24
 The Partition Function

Feynman
path-integral Definition:
Andreas Topp

Motivation Z () = tr e H
Derivation
Z
Example -
Free Particle = dx hx|e H |xi
Wick-Rotation

Conclusion
Z - t = i~
~i t H
= dx hx|e |xi

Z
= dx K (x, t = i~, x, 0)

21 / 24
 The Partition Function

Feynman
path-integral Definition:
Andreas Topp

Motivation Z () = tr e H
Derivation
Z
Example -
Free Particle = dx hx|e H |xi
Wick-Rotation

Conclusion
Z - t = i~
~i t H
= dx hx|e |xi

Z
= dx K (x, t = i~, x, 0)

21 / 24
 The Partition Function

Feynman
path-integral Definition:
Andreas Topp

Motivation Z () = tr e H
Derivation
Z
Example -
Free Particle = dx hx|e H |xi
Wick-Rotation

Conclusion
Z - t = i~
~i t H
= dx hx|e |xi

Z
= dx K (x, t = i~, x, 0)

21 / 24
 The Partition Function

Feynman
path-integral Definition:
Andreas Topp

Motivation Z () = tr e H
Derivation
Z
Example -
Free Particle = dx hx|e H |xi
Wick-Rotation

Conclusion
Z - t = i~
~i t H
= dx hx|e |xi

Z
= dx K (x, t = i~, x, 0)

21 / 24
 Euclidean Action

Feynman
path-integral What does t = i in the action mean?
Andreas Topp "   #
m dx 2
Z
i i
Motivation SE [x] = dt V (x)
~ ~ 2 dt
Derivation
"     #
m 1 2 dx 2
Z
Example -
i
Free Particle
= (i) d V (x)
Wick-Rotation ~ 2 i d
Conclusion
"   #
m dx 2
Z
1
= d + V (x)
~ 2 d

Remarks
purely real computation
connection to statistical physics in thermal equilibrium

22 / 24
 Euclidean Action

Feynman
path-integral What does t = i in the action mean?
Andreas Topp "   #
m dx 2
Z
i i
Motivation SE [x] = dt V (x)
~ ~ 2 dt
Derivation
"     #
m 1 2 dx 2
Z
Example -
i
Free Particle
= (i) d V (x)
Wick-Rotation ~ 2 i d
Conclusion
"   #
m dx 2
Z
1
= d + V (x)
~ 2 d

Remarks
purely real computation
connection to statistical physics in thermal equilibrium

22 / 24
 Euclidean Action

Feynman
path-integral What does t = i in the action mean?
Andreas Topp "   #
m dx 2
Z
i i
Motivation SE [x] = dt V (x)
~ ~ 2 dt
Derivation
"     #
m 1 2 dx 2
Z
Example -
i
Free Particle
= (i) d V (x)
Wick-Rotation ~ 2 i d
Conclusion
"   #
m dx 2
Z
1
= d + V (x)
~ 2 d

Remarks
purely real computation
connection to statistical physics in thermal equilibrium

22 / 24
 Euclidean Action

Feynman
path-integral What does t = i in the action mean?
Andreas Topp "   #
m dx 2
Z
i i
Motivation SE [x] = dt V (x)
~ ~ 2 dt
Derivation
"     #
m 1 2 dx 2
Z
Example -
i
Free Particle
= (i) d V (x)
Wick-Rotation ~ 2 i d
Conclusion
"   #
m dx 2
Z
1
= d + V (x)
~ 2 d

Remarks
purely real computation
connection to statistical physics in thermal equilibrium

22 / 24
 Recapitulation

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp (xZf ,tf )

i
Motivation K F (xf , tf , xi , ti ) = D[x(t)] e ~ S[x(t)]
Derivation
(xi ,ti )
Example -
Free Particle

Wick-Rotation another equivalent access for QM

Conclusion
generality in the derivation
sum over representative sample of paths practical
technique
imaginary time path integrals are merely a computational
device
real time path integrals ?

23 / 24
 Recapitulation

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp (xZf ,tf )

i
Motivation K F (xf , tf , xi , ti ) = D[x(t)] e ~ S[x(t)]
Derivation
(xi ,ti )
Example -
Free Particle

Wick-Rotation another equivalent access for QM

Conclusion
generality in the derivation
sum over representative sample of paths practical
technique
imaginary time path integrals are merely a computational
device
real time path integrals ?

23 / 24
 Recapitulation

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp (xZf ,tf )

i
Motivation K F (xf , tf , xi , ti ) = D[x(t)] e ~ S[x(t)]
Derivation
(xi ,ti )
Example -
Free Particle

Wick-Rotation another equivalent access for QM

Conclusion
generality in the derivation
sum over representative sample of paths practical
technique
imaginary time path integrals are merely a computational
device
real time path integrals ?

23 / 24
 Recapitulation

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp (xZf ,tf )

i
Motivation K F (xf , tf , xi , ti ) = D[x(t)] e ~ S[x(t)]
Derivation
(xi ,ti )
Example -
Free Particle

Wick-Rotation another equivalent access for QM

Conclusion
generality in the derivation
sum over representative sample of paths practical
technique
imaginary time path integrals are merely a computational
device
real time path integrals ?

23 / 24
 Recapitulation

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp (xZf ,tf )

i
Motivation K F (xf , tf , xi , ti ) = D[x(t)] e ~ S[x(t)]
Derivation
(xi ,ti )
Example -
Free Particle

Wick-Rotation another equivalent access for QM

Conclusion
generality in the derivation
sum over representative sample of paths practical
technique
imaginary time path integrals are merely a computational
device
real time path integrals ?

23 / 24
 The End

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp

Motivation
Thank you very much for your attention!
Derivation

Example -
Free Particle

Wick-Rotation

Conclusion
Sources
R. P. Feynman, A. R. Hibbs. Quantum Mechanics and
Path Integrals. Emended Edition 2005
J. W. Negele, H. Orland. Quantum Many-Particle
Systems. 1988
P. Ramond. Field Theory: A Modern Primer. 1989
L. E. Ballentine. Quantum Mechanics. 1998

24 / 24
 Appendix - ground state energy

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp Z () = tr e H
X
Motivation
= hn|eEn |ni
Derivation
n
Example -
Free Particle = h0|eE0 |0i
Wick-Rotation

Conclusion
= eE0

Z
Z () = dx K (x, t = i~, x, 0)

Z
1
E0 = lim ln dx K (x, t = i~, x, 0)


25 / 24
 Appendix - ground state energy

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp Z () = tr e H
X
Motivation
= hn|eEn |ni
Derivation
n
Example -
Free Particle = h0|eE0 |0i
Wick-Rotation

Conclusion
= eE0

Z
Z () = dx K (x, t = i~, x, 0)

Z
1
E0 = lim ln dx K (x, t = i~, x, 0)


25 / 24
 Appendix - ground state energy

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp Z () = tr e H
X
Motivation
= hn|eEn |ni
Derivation
n
Example -
Free Particle = h0|eE0 |0i
Wick-Rotation

Conclusion
= eE0

Z
Z () = dx K (x, t = i~, x, 0)

Z
1
E0 = lim ln dx K (x, t = i~, x, 0)


25 / 24
 Appendix - equivalence to Schrodingers equation

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp Concept:

Z
Motivation

Derivation
(~x , t0 + t) = dx 0 K (~x , t0 + t, x~0 , t0 )(x~0 , t0 )
Example -
Free Particle = (~x , t0 ) + tt (~x , t0 ) + O(t 2 )
Wick-Rotation

Conclusion With:
 m 1
K F (~x , t0 + t, x~0 , t0 ) =
2

2i~t
3
( )
i m X i q i
~ tV (~x + r )
~
exp 2 A (~x + p )
~ 2t ~c ~
=1

26 / 24
 Appendix - equivalence to Schrodingers equation

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp
Identify order of t:
Motivation

Derivation
i ~2 2 q ~ ~ i~
Example - t (~x , t0 ) = [ + V (~x ) + p( A)
Free Particle ~ 2m c m
1 q 2 qi~ ~ ~
Wick-Rotation
+ A2 + A] (~x , t0 )
Conclusion 2 mc 2 cm
 2
1 ~p q A(~
~ x)
p= 2 i c
= + V (~x ) (~x , t0 )

~ 2m

27 / 24
 Appendix - equivalence to Schrodingers equation

Feynman
path-integral

Andreas Topp
Identify order of t:
Motivation

Derivation
i ~2 2 q ~ ~ i~
Example - t (~x , t0 ) = [ + V (~x ) + p( A)
Free Particle ~ 2m c m
1 q 2 qi~ ~ ~
Wick-Rotation
+ A2 + A] (~x , t0 )
Conclusion 2 mc 2 cm
 2
1 ~p q A(~
~ x)
p= 2 i c
= + V (~x ) (~x , t0 )

~ 2m

27 / 24