Six-dimensional space-time from quaternionic quantum mechanics
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Tue, 25/10/2011 12:00 |
Dorje C. Brody (Brunel University) |
Quantum Field Theory Seminar  |
L2 |
| Quaternionic quantum Hamiltonians describing nonrelativistic spin particles require the ambient physical space to have five dimensions. The quantum dynamics of a spin-1/2 particle system characterised by a generic such Hamiltonian is described. There exists, within the structure of quaternionic quantum mechanics, a canonical reduction to three spatial dimensions upon which standard quantum theory is retrieved. In this dimensional reduction, three of the five dynamical variables oscillate around a cylinder, thus behaving in a quasi one-dimensional manner at large distances. An analogous mechanism exists in the case of octavic Hamiltonians, where the ambient physical space has nine dimensions. Possible experimental tests in search for the signature of extra dimensions at low energies are briefly discussed. (Talk based on joint work with Eva-Maria Graefe, Imperial.) | |||