Gao, Shan (2023) Understanding Time Reversal in Quantum Mechanics: A New Derivation. Foundations of Physics, 52 (114). ISSN 1572-9516

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Abstract

Why does time reversal involve two operations, a temporal reflection and the operation of complex conjugation? Why is it that time reversal preserves position and reverses momentum and spin? This puzzle of time reversal in quantum mechanics has been with us since Wigner’s first presentation. In this paper, I propose a new solution to this puzzle. First, it is shown that the standard account of time reversal can be derived based on the assumption that the probability current is reversed by the time reversal transformation. Next, this assumption is justified and the meaning of time reversal is clarified by analyzing the relationship between the rates of change and the instantaneous quantities which determine them. Finally, I explain how the new analysis help solve the puzzle of time reversal in quantum mechanics.

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Item Type:	Published Article or Volume
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Gao, Shan sgao7319@uni.sydney.edu.au
Keywords:	quantum mechanics; time reversal; continuity equation; probability current
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics Specific Sciences > Physics > Symmetries/Invariances
Depositing User:	Prof. Shan Gao
Date Deposited:	07 Mar 2023 15:03
Last Modified:	07 Mar 2023 15:03
Item ID:	21844
Journal or Publication Title:	Foundations of Physics
Publisher:	Springer
Official URL:	https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10701-0...
DOI or Unique Handle:	10.1007/s10701-022-00634-1
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics Specific Sciences > Physics > Symmetries/Invariances
Date:	7 March 2023
Volume:	52
Number:	114
ISSN:	1572-9516
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/21844

Available Versions of this Item

• Understanding Time Reversal in Quantum Mechanics: A Full Derivation. (deposited 21 Apr 2022 04:09)
  • Understanding Time Reversal in Quantum Mechanics: A Full Derivation. (deposited 03 May 2022 04:30)
    • Understanding Time Reversal in Quantum Mechanics: A Full Derivation. (deposited 03 Aug 2022 04:02)
      • Understanding Time Reversal in Quantum Mechanics: A New Derivation. (deposited 07 Mar 2023 15:03) [Currently Displayed]

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