Kinematics and dynamics in noninertial quantum frames of reference

TL;DR

This paper develops a framework for describing nonrelativistic quantum mechanics from the perspective of a quantum particle's noninertial frame, revealing unconventional kinematics and addressing subtleties like entanglement and fictitious forces.

Contribution

It introduces a Hamiltonian formulation for quantum mechanics in noninertial frames, enabling consistent descriptions without classical assumptions.

Findings

Unconventional kinematics in quantum frames of reference

Correctly models fictitious forces in noninertial quantum frames

Addresses subtleties in entanglement and uncertainty relations

Abstract

From the principle that there is no absolute description of a physical state, we advance the approach according to which one should be able to describe the physics from the perspective of a quantum particle. The kinematics seen from this frame of reference is shown to be rather unconventional. In particular, we discuss several subtleties emerging in the relative formulation of central notions such as vector states, the classical limit, entanglement, uncertainty relations, and the complementary principle. A Hamiltonian formulation is derived as well which correctly encapsulates effects of fictitious forces associated with the accelerated motion of the frame. Our approach shows, therefore, how to formulate nonrelativistic quantum mechanics within noninertial reference frames which can be consistently described by the theory, with no appeal to classical elements.