On non-selfadjoint operators for observables in quantum mechanics and quantum field theory

Abstract: Aim of this paper is to show the possible significance, and usefulness, of various non-selfadjoint operators for suitable Observables in non relativistic and relativistic quantum mechanics, and in quantum electrodynamics. More specifically, this work starts dealing with: (i) the maximal hermitian (but not selfadjoint) Time operator in non-relativistic quantum mechanics and in quantum electrodynamics; and with: (ii) the problem of the four-position and four-momentum operators, each one with its hermitian and anti-hermitian parts, for relativistic spin-zero particles. Afterwards, other physically important applications of non-selfadjoint (and even non-hermitian) operators are discussed: In particular, (iii) we reanalyze in detail the interesting possibility of associating quasi-hermitian Hamiltonians with (decaying) unstable states in nuclear physics. Finally, we briefly mention the cases of quantum dissipation, as well as of the nuclear optical potential. [PACS numbers: 03.65.Ta; 03.65.-w; 03.65.Pm; 03.70.+k; 03.65.Xp; 11.10.St; 11.10.-z; 11.90.+t; 02.00.00; 03.00.00; 24.10.Ht; 03.65.Yz; 21.60.-u; 11.10.Ef; 03.65.Fd. Keywords: time operator in quantum mechanics; space-time operator; time-"Hamiltonian"; non-selfadjoint operators; non-hermitian operators; bilinear operators; time operator for discrete energy spectra; time-energy uncertainty relations; unstable states; quasi-hermitian Hamiltonians; Klein-Gordon equation; quantum dissipation; nuclear optical model].