Non self-adjoint operators with real spectra and extensions of quantum mechanics

TL;DR

This paper reviews quantum mechanics with non self-adjoint Hamiltonians having real spectra, analyzing spectral properties, eigenfunctions, and proposing a new inner product to address mathematical and physical challenges.

Contribution

It introduces a new inner product for non self-adjoint Hamiltonians with real spectra and discusses the implications for quantum mechanics.

Findings

Eigenfunctions form complete systems but not a Riesz basis.

A new inner product improves physical interpretation.

Dynamics of the non self-adjoint system are described.

Abstract

In this article, we review the general quantum mechanical setting associated to a non self-adjoint Hamiltonian with real spectrum. Spectral properties of the Hamiltonian of a simple model of the Swanson type are investigated. The eigenfunctions associated to the real simple eigenvalues are shown to form complete systems but not a (Riesz) basis, which gives rise to difficulties in the rigorous mathematical formulation of quantum mechanics. A new inner product, which is appropriate for the physical interpretation of the model, has been consistently introduced. The dynamics of the system is described. Some specificities of the theory of non self-adjoint operators with implications in quantum mechanics are discussed.