Physics:Quantum methods/quantization

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Short description: Procedure of constructing a quantum theory from a classical system


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Quantization is the procedure of constructing a quantum theory from a corresponding classical system. It provides the bridge between classical descriptions of physical systems and their quantum counterparts.

Overview of key concepts in quantum field theory

Overview

In classical physics, physical quantities such as position and momentum are represented by numbers. In quantum theory, they are represented by operators acting on a Hilbert space.

The fundamental rule of canonical quantization replaces classical Poisson brackets with commutators: [x,p]=i

Types of quantization

  • Canonical quantization – promotes classical variables to operators
  • Path integral quantization – sums over all possible histories
  • Second quantization – describes systems with variable particle number

Applications

Quantization underlies quantum field theory, many-body theory, and modern particle physics.

See also

Table of contents (136 articles)

Index

Full contents

14. Plasma and fusion physics (8)

References


Author: Harold Foppele