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arXiv · 1603.07727

The odd-order Pais-Uhlenbeck oscillator

Ivan Masterov
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Abstract

We consider a Hamiltonian formulation of the (2n+1)-order generalization of the Pais-Uhlenbeck oscillator with distinct frequencies of oscillation. This system is invariant under time translations. However, the corresponding Noether integral of motion is unbounded from below and can be presented as a direct sum of 2n one-dimensional harmonic oscillators with an alternating sign. If this integral of motion plays a role of a Hamiltonian, a quantum theory of the Pais-Uhlenbeck oscillator faces a ghost problem. We construct an alternative canonical formulation for the system under study to avoid this nasty feature.

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Ivan Masterov. 2016-05-13. The odd-order Pais-Uhlenbeck oscillator. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nuclphysb.2016.04.025

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