A Time Operator and the Time-Of-Arrival Problem in Quantum Field Theory


Por: Colosi, D, Oeckl, R

Publicada: 1 ago 2025
Resumen:
The Newton-Wigner states and operator are widely accepted to provide an adequate notion of spatial localization of a particle in quantum field theory on a spacelike hypersurface. Replacing the spacelike with a timelike hypersurface, we construct one-particle states of massive Klein-Gordon theory that are localized on the hypersurface in the temporal as well as two spatial directions. This addresses the longstanding problem of a "time operator" in quantum theory. It is made possible by recent advances in quantization on timelike hypersurfaces and the introduction of evanescent particles. As a first application of time-localized states, we consider the time-of-arrival problem. Our results are in accordance with semiclassical expectations of causal propagation of massless and massive particles. As in the Newton-Wigner case, localization is not perfect, but apparent superluminal propagation is exponentially suppressed.

Filiaciones:
Colosi, D:
 Univ Nacl Autonoma Mexico, Escuela Nacl Estudios Super, Unidad Morelia, Morelia 58190, Michoacan, Mexico

Oeckl, R:
 Univ Nacl Autonoma Mexico, Ctr Ciencias Matemat, Morelia 58190, Michoacan, Mexico
ISSN: 00159018
Editorial
Kluwer Academic Publishers-Plenum Publishers, 233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA, Países Bajos
Tipo de documento: Article
Volumen: 55 Número: 4
Páginas:
WOS Id: 001520150500002

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