A function of positive type can be defined as a positive functional on a convolution algebra of a locally compact group. In the case where the group is abelian, by Bochners theorem a function of positive type is, up to normalization, the Fourier tran
sform of a probability measure. Therefore, considering the group of translations on phase space, a suitably normalized phase-space function of positive type can be regarded as a realization of a classical state. Thus, it may be called a function of classical positive type. Replacing the ordinary convolution on phase space with the twisted convolution, one obtains a noncommutative algebra of functions whose positive functionals we may call functions of quantum positive type. In fact, by a quantum version of Bochners theorem, a continuous function of quantum positive type is, up to normalization, the (symplectic) Fourier transform of a Wigner quasi-probability distribution; hence, it can be regarded as a phase-space realization of a quantum state. Playing with functions of positive type, classical and quantum, one is led in a natural way to consider a class of semigroups of operators, the classical-quantum semigroups. The physical meaning of these mathematical objects is unveiled via quantization, so obtaining a class of quantum dynamical semigroups that, borrowing terminology from quantum information science, may be called classical-noise semigroups.
Quantum mechanics can be formulated in terms of phase-space functions, according to Wigners approach. A generalization of this approach consists in replacing the density operators of the standard formulation with suitable functions, the so-called gen
eralized Wigner functions or (group-covariant) tomograms, obtained by means of group-theoretical methods. A typical problem arising in this context is to express the evolution of a quantum system in terms of tomograms. In the case of a (suitable) open quantum system, the dynamics can be described by means of a quantum dynamical semigroup in disguise, namely, by a semigroup of operators acting on tomograms rather than on density operators. We focus on a special class of quantum dynamical semigroups, the twirling semigroups, that have interesting applications, e.g., in quantum information science. The disguised counterparts of the twirling semigroups, i.e., the corresponding semigroups acting on tomograms, form a class of semigroups of operators that we call tomographic semigroups. We show that the twirling semigroups and the tomographic semigroups can be encompassed in a unique theoretical framework, a class of semigroups of operators including also the probability semigroups of classical probability theory, so achieving a deeper insight into both the mathematical and the physical aspects of the problem.
We define an interesting class of semigroups of operators in Banach spaces, namely, the randomly generated semigroups. This class contains as a remarkable subclass a special type of quantum dynamical semigroups introduced by Kossakowski in the early
1970s. Each randomly generated semigroup is associated, in a natural way, with a pair formed by a representation or an antirepresentation of a locally compact group in a Banach space and by a convolution semigroup of probability measures on this group. Examples of randomly generated semigroups having important applications in physics are briefly illustrated.
We study the twirling semigroups of (super)operators, namely, certain quantum dynamical semigroups that are associated, in a natural way, with the pairs formed by a projective representation of a locally compact group and a convolution semigroup of p
robability measures on this group. The link connecting this class of semigroups of operators with (classical) Brownian motion is clarified. It turns out that every twirling semigroup associated with a finite-dimensional representation is a random unitary semigroup, and, conversely, every random unitary semigroup arises as a twirling semigroup. Using standard tools of the theory of convolution semigroups of measures and of convex analysis, we provide a complete characterization of the infinitesimal generator of a twirling semigroup associated with a finite-dimensional unitary representation of a Lie group.
Using the formalism of quantizers and dequantizers, we show that the characters of irreducible unitary representations of finite and compact groups provide kernels for star products of complex-valued functions of the group elements. Examples of permu
tation groups of two and three elements, as well as the SU(2) group, are considered. The k-deformed star products of functions on finite and compact groups are presented. The explicit form of the quantizers and dequantizers, and the duality symmetry of the considered star products are discussed.
Adopting a purely group-theoretical point of view, we consider the star product of functions which is associated, in a natural way, with a square integrable (in general, projective) representation of a locally compact group. Next, we show that for th
is (implicitly defined) star product explicit formulae can be provided. Two significant examples are studied in detail: the group of translations on phase space and the one-dimensional affine group. The study of the first example leads to the Groenewold-Moyal star product. In the second example, the link with wavelet analysis is clarified.
Using the notions of frame transform and of square integrable projective representation of a locally compact group $G$, we introduce a class of isometries (tight frame transforms) from the space of Hilbert-Schmidt operators in the carrier Hilbert spa
ce of the representation into the space of square integrable functions on the direct product group $Gtimes G$. These transforms have remarkable properties. In particular, their ranges are reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces endowed with a suitable star product which mimics, at the level of functions, the original product of operators. A phase space formulation of quantum mechanics relying on the frame transforms introduced in the present paper, and the link of these maps with both the Wigner transform and the wavelet transform are discussed.
