Coherent states for systems with discrete and continuous spectrum

Abstract

For a system with one degree of freedom, coherent states that are parametrized by classical canonical action-angle variables are introduced. These states also possess continuity of labelling, a resolution of unity, and temporal stability. The insistence on canonical action-angle variables strongly restricts any remaining arbitrariness in the coherent state definition. Such states are introduced for semibounded Hamiltonian operators having either a discrete or a continuous spectrum. Hamiltonians that have both discrete and continuous parts in their spectrum are also discussed.