Classical and quantum Heisenberg groups, their representations and applications

Abstract

This paper is a survey on classical Heisenberg groups and algebras, q-deformed Heisenberg algebras, q-oscillator algebras, their representations and applications. Describing them, we tried, for the reader's convenience, to explain where the q-deformed case is close to the classical one, and where there are principal differences. Different realizations of classical Heisenberg groups, their geometrical aspects, and their representations are given. Moreover, relations of Heisenberg groups to other linear groups are described. Intertwining operators for different (Schrodinger, Fock, compact) realizations of unitary irreducible representations of Heisenberg groups are given in explicit form. Classification of irreducible representations and representations of the q-oscillator algebra is derived for the cases when q is not a root of unity and when q is a root of unity. The Fock representation of the q-oscillator algebra is studied in detail. In particular, q-coherent states are described. Spectral properties of some operators of the Fock representations of q-oscillator algebras are given. Some of applications of Heisenberg groups and algebras, q-Heisenberg algebras and q-oscillator algebras are briefly described.