On the interpretation of time-reparametrization-invariant quantum mechanics

Abstract

The classical and quantum dynamics of simple time-reparametrization- invariant models containing two degrees of freedom are studied in detail. Elimination of one ``clock'' variable through the Hamiltonian constraint leads to a description of time evolution for the remaining variable which is essentially equivalent to the standard quantum mechanics of an unconstrained system. In contrast to a similar proposal of Rovelli, evolution is with respect to the geometrical proper time, and the Heisenberg equation of motion is exact. The possibility of a ``test clock'', which would reveal time evolution while contributing negligibly to the Hamiltonian constraint is examined, and found to be viable in the semiclassical limit of large quantum numbers.