×

Stochastic simulation of quantum mechanics. (English) Zbl 0745.60107

Summary: Langevin methods have proved useful in simulating lattice field theories of many kinds. These methods are essentially a practical realization of the stochastic quantization approach to quantum mechanical systems. We show that the Langevin method is effective in calculations of non- relativistic quantum mechanical systems. For a one-dimensional system a more conventional approach through the diagonalization of the Hamiltonian matrix using the method of Sturm sequencing is more efficient. However, in two and higher dimensions where the Hamiltonian is no longer tridiagonal the Langevin scheme is more efficient and accurate. It follows therefore that Langevin methods may actually have a great deal to offer in quantum mechanical problems in high dimensions especially in cases where the potential does not have spherical symmetry.

MSC:

60K40 Other physical applications of random processes
81P99 Foundations, quantum information and its processing, quantum axioms, and philosophy
81S99 General quantum mechanics and problems of quantization
Full Text: DOI