Bayesian Approach to Inverse Quantum Statistics: Reconstruction of Potentials in the Feynman Path Integral Representation of Quantum Theory

Abstract

The Feynman path integral representation of quantum theory is used in a non--parametric Bayesian approach to determine quantum potentials from measurements on a canonical ensemble. This representation allows to study explicitly the classical and semiclassical limits and provides a unified description in terms of functional integrals: the Feynman path integral for the statistical operator, and the integration over the space of potentials for calculating the predictive density. The latter is treated in maximum a posteriori approximation, and various approximation schemes for the former are developed and discussed. A simple numerical example shows the applicability of the method.