On the resolution of ordering ambiguities associated with the path integral representation of stochastic processes

Abstract

Simple path integral approaches to multiplicative stochastic processes are severely hampered by an inherent ambiguity in the underlying Lagrangian associated with operator ordering problems. The author shows how, given the Fokker-Planck equation, the ambiguity can be resolved. Direct consequences for noise-induced transitions, reaction-diffusion models and polymer dynamics are briefly discussed.