Quantum Mechanics Another Way

Abstract

Deformation quantization (sometimes called phase-space quantization) is a formulation of quantum mechanics that is not usually taught to undergraduates. It is formally quite similar to classical mechanics: ordinary functions on phase space take the place of operators, but the functions are multiplied in an exotic way, using the star product. Here we attempt a brief, pedagogical discussion of deformation quantization, that is suitable for inclusion in an undergraduate course.