Applicability of Hamilton’s equations in the quantum soliton problem

Abstract

We test the validity of Hamilton-equation methods for determining the time evolution of trial state vectors in quantum mechanics. Given a trial state vector, we are able to construct a differential operator under which a scalar Hamilton function must be invariant. State vectors composed of single-particle states, coherent-state products, and mixed single-particle states and coherent-state products are considered explicitly. In the latter category, we consider state vectors of the form proposed by Davydov in his treatment of the quantum soliton problem. We find that Davydov’s wave vector, as determined by the Hamilton-equation method, is not a solution of the Schrödinger equation for the Fröhlich Hamiltonian except under very restrictive circumstances. The theoretical justification for a number of conclusions about soliton transport in Fröhlich-type systems is thus called into question.