Discrete phase space and continuous time relativistic quantum mechanics I: Planck oscillators and closed string-like circular orbits

Abstract

The discrete phase space continuous time representation of relativistic quantum mechanics involving a characteristic length [Formula: see text] is investigated. Fundamental physical constants such as [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] are retained for most sections of the paper. The energy eigenvalue problem for the Planck oscillator is solved exactly in this framework. Discrete concircular orbits of constant energy are shown to be circles [Formula: see text] of radii [Formula: see text] within the discrete [Formula: see text]-dimensional phase plane. Moreover, the time evolution of these orbits sweep out world-sheet like geometrical entities [Formula: see text] and therefore appear as closed string-like geometrical configurations. The physical interpretation for these discrete orbits in phase space as degenerate, string-like phase cells is shown in a mathematically rigorous way. The existence of these closed concircular orbits in the arena of discrete phase space quantum mechanics, known for the non-singular nature of lower order expansion [Formula: see text] matrix terms, was known to exist but has not been fully explored until now. Finally, the discrete partial difference-differential Klein–Gordon equation is shown to be invariant under the continuous inhomogeneous orthogonal group [Formula: see text].