A classification of finite quantum kinematics

TL;DR

This paper classifies finite quantum kinematics using number theory and group representation theory, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding quantum systems with finite-dimensional Hilbert spaces.

Contribution

It offers a novel classification of finite quantum kinematics based on Mackey's Imprimitivity Theorem and number theory, connecting algebraic and representation approaches.

Findings

Classified quantum kinematics for composite N using group theory.

Connected algebraic structures with physical realizations of finite quantum systems.

Provided a new perspective on the relation between formalism and physical systems.

Abstract

Quantum mechanics in Hilbert spaces of finite dimension $N$ is reviewed from the number theoretic point of view. For composite numbers $N$ possible quantum kinematics are classified on the basis of Mackey's Imprimitivity Theorem for finite Abelian groups. This yields also a classification of finite Weyl-Heisenberg groups and the corresponding finite quantum kinematics. Simple number theory gets involved through the fundamental theorem describing all finite discrete Abelian groups of order $N$ as direct products of cyclic groups, whose orders are powers of not necessarily distinct primes contained in the prime decomposition of $N$. The representation theoretic approach is further compared with the algebraic approach, where the basic object is the corresponding operator algebra. The consideration of fine gradings of this associative algebra then brings a fresh look on the relation between the mathematical formalism and physical realizations of finite quantum systems.