Applications of p-adic Numbers to well understood Quantum Mechanics: With a focus on Weyl Systems and the Harmonic Oscillator

Abstract

In this thesis we look at how it is possible to construct models in quantum mechanics by using p-adic numbers. First we look closely at different quantum mechanical models using the real numbers, as it is necessary to understand them well before moving on to p-adic numbers. The most promising model, where Weyl systems are used, is studied in detail. Here time translation is not generated by the Hamiltonian, but constructed directly as an operator possessing some fundamental structure in relation to the classical dynamics. Then we develop the relevant theory of the field of p-adic numbers Qp , with a focus on the properties of Qp as a locally compact abelian group. Here we present alternative proofs to those found in the literature. In particular, we give an independent proof of the selfduality of Qp. In the last chapters we look at some models using Qp . We generalize the idea of Weyl systems from real to p-adic numbers, and we discuss the physical implications. When using Weyl systems, time is p-adic. We also produce MatLab algorithms for numerical computations in connection with approximations of p-adic models by finite models.