No-ghost theorem for the fourth-order derivative Pais-Uhlenbeck oscillator model

Thumbnail Image

Date

Authors

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Abstract

Description

Contrary to common belief, it is shown that theories whose field equations are higher than second order in derivatives need not be stricken with ghosts. In particular, the prototypical fourth-order derivative Pais-Uhlenbeck oscillator model is shown to be free of states of negative energy or negative norm. When correctly formulated (as a $\cP\cT$ symmetric theory), the theory determines its own Hilbert space and associated positive-definite inner product. In this Hilbert space the model is found to be a fully acceptable quantum-mechanical theory that exhibits unitary time evolution.
revtex4, 4 pages

Keywords

High Energy Physics - Theory, General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology, Quantum Physics

Citation

URI

http://salesiana.dossiersoluciones.com/handle/123456789/192703

Consulte el texto completo en el siguiente enlace:

https://arxiv.org/abs/0706.0207
 http://arxiv.org/abs/0706.0207
 Phys.Rev.Lett.100:110402,2008
 doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.100.110402

Collections

arXiv