Time symmetry in Rigged Hilbert Spaces

Abstract

Despite the fact that the fundamental physical laws are symmetric in time, most observed processes do not show this symmetry. Especially the phenomenon of decay seems to involve a kind of irreversibility that makes the definition of a microscopic arrow of time possible. Such an intrinsic irreversibility is incorporated within the Rigged Hilbert Space quantum mechanics of the Brussels School, contrasting to the statements of standard quantum mechanics. As shown in this paper, the formalism bears significant advantages in the description of decaying systems, however the breaking of time symmetry can be avoided.