Integrability and nonintegrability of quantum systems: Quantum integrability and dynamical symmetry

Abstract

In this paper we discuss the concepts of quantum integrability and nonintegrability. Based on the concept of a complete set of commuting observables and the Hilbert-space structure of a quantum system, the definitions are given for the quantum-dynamical degrees of freedom and quantum phase space from which the quantum integrability is defined. A criterion for quantum integrability then emerges; the system is integrable if it possesses dynamical symmetry. Breaking of dynamical symmetry is connected with the nonintegrability of systems and thus is the inherent mechanism of chaotic motion. A number of examples are discussed.