Multivalued classical mechanics arising from singularity loops in complex time.

Abstract

Complex-valued classical trajectories in complex time encounter singular times at which the momentum diverges. A closed time contour around such a singular time may result in final values for q and p that differ from their initial values. In this work, we develop a calculus for determining the exponent and prefactor of the asymptotic time dependence of p from the singularities of the potential as the singularity time is approached. We identify this exponent with the number of singularity loops giving distinct solutions to Hamilton's equations of motion. The theory is illustrated for the Eckart, Coulomb, Morse, and quartic potentials. Collectively, these potentials illustrate a wide variety of situations: poles and essential singularities at finite and infinite coordinate values. We demonstrate quantitative agreement between analytical and numerical exponents and prefactors, as well as the connection between the exponent and the time circuit count. This work provides the theoretical underpinnings for the choice of time contours described in the studies of Doll et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 58(4), 1343-1351 (1973)] and Petersen and Kay [J. Chem. Phys. 141(5), 054114 (2014)]. It also has implications for wavepacket reconstruction from complex classical trajectories when multiple branches of trajectories are involved.