Quantum Hamilton-Jacobi Theory
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Quantum canonical transformations have attracted interest since the beginning of quantum theory. Based on their classical analogues, one would expect them to provide a powerful quantum tool. However, the difficulty of solving a nonlinear operator partial differential equation such as the quantum Hamilton-Jacobi equation (QHJE) has hindered progress along this otherwise promising avenue. We overcome this difficulty. We show that solutions to the QHJE can be constructed by a simple prescription starting from the propagator of the associated Schroedinger equation. Our result opens the possibility of practical use of quantum Hamilton-Jacobi theory. As an application we develop a surprising relation between operator ordering and the density of paths around a semiclassical trajectory.
7 pages
7 pages