Coherent state approach to quantum clock in a model where the Hamiltonian is a difference between two harmonic oscillators

Abstract

In order to study the "problem of time", Rovelli proposed a model of a two harmonic oscillator system where one of the oscillators can be thought of as a 'clock' for the other oscillator. In this paper we examine a model where the Hamiltonian is a difference between two harmonic oscillators, and we consider one of them which has the minus sign as a 'clock'. Klauder's projection operator approach to generalized coherent states is used to define physical states and operators. The resolution of unity is derived in terms of a gauge invariant coordinate. We investigate the 'quantum clock' and show that the evolution described by it is identical to the classical motion when the energy becomes large.