Simple New Axioms for Quantum Mechanics

Abstract

The space P of pure states of any physical system, classical or quantum, is identified as a Poisson space with a transition probability. The latter is a function p: PxP -> [0,1]; in addition, a Poisson bracket is defined for functions on P. These two structures are connected through unitarity. Classical and quantum mechanics are each characterized by a simple axiom on the transition probability p. Unitarity then determines the Poisson bracket of quantum mechanics up to a multiplicative constant (identified with Planck's constant). Superselection rules are naturally incorporated.