A new way of defining unstable states
classification
⚛️ physics.atom-ph
keywords
spaceunstablestateexponentialfunctiontestatomcatastrophe
read the original abstract
We define a new unstable state in the Friedrichs model of a two-level atom. This unstable state is a complex eigenstate of the time evolution operator $\exp(-iHt)$ with a restricted test function space, which is obtained from causality conditions. The unstable state shows exact exponential decay for $t\ge0$. Its emitted field is confined inside the future light-cone. In this way the long-standing problem of exponential catastrophe is removed. This is an example of quantum mechanics outside Hilbert space, which consists of generalized eigenstates in a distribution space, and a dual (test function) space.
This paper has not been read by Pith yet.
discussion (0)
Sign in with ORCID, Apple, or X to comment. Anyone can read and Pith papers without signing in.