Wigner phase space method: Analysis for semiclassical applications

Abstract

We investigate the suitability of the Wigner method as a tool for semiclassical dynamics. In spite of appearances, the dynamical time evolution of Wigner phase space densities is found not to reduce to classical dynamics in most circumstances, even as h→0. In certain applications involving highly ’coherent’ density matrices, this precludes direct h‐expansion treatment of quantum corrections. However, by selective resummation of terms in the Wigner–Moyal series for the quantum phase space propagation it is possible to arrive at a revised or renormalized classicallike dynamics which solves the difficulties of the direct approach. In this paper, we review the Wigner method, qualitatively introduce the difficulties encountered in certain semiclassical applications, and derive quantitative means of surmounting these difficulties. Possible practical applications are discussed.