Euclidean Path Integral and Higher-Derivative Theories

Abstract

We consider the Euclidean path integral approach to higher-derivative theories proposed by Hawking and Hertog (Phys. Rev. D65 (2002), 103515). The Pais-Uhlenbeck oscillator is studied in some detail. The operator algebra is reconstructed and the structure of the space of states revealed. It is shown that the quantum theory results from quantizing the classical complex dynamics in which the original dynamics is consistently immersed. The field-theoretical counterpart of Pais-Uhlenbeck oscillator is also considered.

14 pages; no figures;the paper considerably extended; field-theoretical part added

Cited by in corpus (16)

• Quantum mechanics of 4-derivative theories
• Conformal Newton-Hooke symmetry of Pais-Uhlenbeck oscillator
• Classical and Quantum Dynamics of Higher-Derivative Systems
• Hamiltonian formalisms and symmetries of the Pais-Uhlenbeck oscillator
• An alternative Hamiltonian formulation for the Pais-Uhlenbeck oscillator
• Higher Derivative Scalar Quantum Field Theory in Curved Spacetime
• The odd-order Pais-Uhlenbeck oscillator
• On the triviality of higher derivative thoeries
• On exactly solvable higher-derivative systems
• Deformation quantization of the Pais-Uhlenbeck fourth order oscillator
• Generalized Niederer's transformation for quantum Pais-Uhlenbeck oscillator
• Opus on conformal symmetry of the Nambu-Goto versus Polyakov strings
• A Confining Model for Charmonium and New Gauge Invariant Field Equations
• Nonlocal dynamics and infinite non-relativistic conformal symmetries
• Generalized Standard Model with higher-order derivatives under Rotor Mechanism and its Quantization
• Quantization of Generalized Abelian Gauge Field Theory under Rotor Model