Gaussian wave packets in phase space: The Fermi g_F function

dc.creatorBenenti, Giuliano
dc.creatorStrini, Giuliano
dc.date2008-10-23
dc.date2008-12-08
dc.date.accessioned2026-07-07T13:14:16Z
dc.date.available2026-07-07T13:14:16Z
dc.descriptionAny pure quantum state can be equivalently represented by means of its wave function psi(q) or of the Fermi function g_F(q,p), with q and p coordinates and conjugate momenta of the system under investigation.We show that a Gaussian wave packet can be conveniently visualized in phase space by means of the curve g_F(q,p)=0. The evolution in time of the g_F=0 curve is then computed for a Gaussian packet evolving freely or under a constant or a harmonic force. As a result, the spreading or shrinking of the packet is easily interpreted in phase space. Finally, we discuss a gedanken prism microscope experiment for measuring the position-momentum correlation. This gedanken experiment, together with the well-known Heisenberg microscope and von Neumann velocimeter, is sufficient to fully determine the state of a Gaussian packet.
dc.description7 pages, 4 figures, remarks added
dc.identifierhttps://arxiv.org/abs/0810.4317
dc.identifierhttp://arxiv.org/abs/0810.4317
dc.identifierAm. J. Phys. 77, 546 (2009)
dc.identifierdoi:10.1119/1.3083268
dc.identifier.urihttp://salesiana.dossiersoluciones.com/handle/123456789/230159
dc.subjectQuantum Physics
dc.titleGaussian wave packets in phase space: The Fermi g_F function
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