Quantum Caustics for Systems with Quadratic Lagrangians
Abstract
We study caustics in classical and quantum mechanics for systems with quadratic Lagrangians. We derive a closed form of the transition amplitude on caustics and discuss their physical implications in the Gaussian slit (gedanken-)experiment. Application to the quantum mechanical rotor casts doubt on the validilty of Jevicki's correspondence hypothesis which states that in quantum mechanics, stationary points(instantons) arise as simple poles.
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