Observables in Quantum Mechanics and the Importance of Self-Adjointness

Abstract

We are focused on the idea that observables in quantum physics are a bit more then just hermitian operators and that this is, in general, a “tricky business”. The origin of this idea comes from the fact that there is a subtle difference between symmetric, hermitian, and self-adjoint operators which are of immense importance in formulating Quantum Mechanics. The theory of self-adjoint extensions is presented through several physical examples and some emphasis is given on the physical implications and applications.

Topics & Concepts