An Introduction to Noncommutative Physics

• Published in: Physics (Online) Vol. 5; no. 2; pp. 436 - 460
• Main Authors: Liang, Shi-Dong, Lake, Matthew J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 01-06-2023
• Subjects: Acceleration; Algebra; Classical mechanics; Condensed matter physics; Cosmological constant; Cosmology; Dark energy; Euclidean space; Formalism; Geometry; Gravitation theory; Gravity; noncommutative phase space; noncommutative quantum mechanics; Parameterization; Particle physics; Pedagogy; Phenomenology; quantum Hall effect; Quantum mechanics; Quantum physics; Quantum theory; Seiberg-Witten map; Spacetime; Statistical mechanics; Theoretical physics
• ISSN: 2624-8174; 2624-8174
• DOI: 10.3390/physics5020031

Noncommutativity in physics has a long history, tracing back to classical mechanics. In recent years, many new developments in theoretical physics, and in practical applications rely on different techniques of noncommutative algebras. In this review, we introduce the basic concepts and techniques of noncommutative physics in a range of areas, including classical physics, condensed matter systems, statistical mechanics, and quantum mechanics, and we present some important examples of noncommutative algebras, including the classical Poisson brackets, the Heisenberg algebra, Lie and Clifford algebras, the Dirac algebra, and the Snyder and Nambu algebras. Potential applications of noncommutative structures in high-energy physics and gravitational theory are also discussed. In particular, we review the formalism of noncommutative quantum mechanics based on the Seiberg–Witten map and propose a parameterization scheme to associate the noncommutative parameters with the Planck length and the cosmological constant. We show that noncommutativity gives rise to an effective gauge field, in the Schrödinger and Pauli equations. This term breaks translation and rotational symmetries in the noncommutative phase space, generating intrinsic quantum fluctuations of the velocity and acceleration, even for free particles. This review is intended as an introduction to noncommutative phenomenology for physicists, as well as a basic introduction to the mathematical formalisms underlying these effects.