QUANTIZATION METHODS: A GUIDE FOR PHYSICISTS AND ANALYSTS

Abstract

This survey is an overview of some of the better known quantization techniques (for systems with finite numbers of degrees-of-freedom) including in particular canonical quantization and the related Dirac scheme, introduced in the early days of quantum mechanics, Segal and Borel quantizations, geometric quantization, various ramifications of deformation quantization, Berezin and Berezin–Toeplitz quantizations, prime quantization and coherent state quantization. We have attempted to give an account sufficiently in depth to convey the general picture, as well as to indicate the mutual relationships between various methods, their relative successes and shortcomings, mentioning also open problems in the area. Finally, even for approaches for which lack of space or expertise prevented us from treating them to the extent they would deserve, we have tried to provide ample references to the existing literature on the subject. In all cases, we have made an effort to keep the discussion accessible both to physicists and to mathematicians, including non-specialists in the field.