Noether symmetries, dynamical constants of motion, and spectrum generating algebras

Abstract

When discussing consequences of symmetries of dynamical systems based on Noether’s first theorem, most standard textbooks on classical or quantum mechanics present a conclusion stating that a global continuous Lie symmetry implies the existence of a time-independent conserved Noether charge which is the generator of the action on phase space of that symmetry, and which necessarily must as well commute with the Hamiltonian. However this need not be so, nor does that statement do justice to the complete scope and reach of Noether’s first theorem. Rather a much less restrictive statement applies, namely, that the corresponding Noether charge as an observable over phase space may in fact possess an explicit time dependency, and yet define a constant of the motion by having a commutator with the Hamiltonian which is nonvanishing, thus indeed defining a dynamical conserved quantity. Furthermore, and this certainly within the Hamiltonian formulation, the converse statement is valid as well, namely, that any dynamical constant of motion is necessarily the Noether charge of some symmetry leaving the system’s action invariant up to some total time derivative contribution. This contribution revisits these different points and their consequences, straightaway within the Hamiltonian formulation which is the most appropriate for such issues. Explicit illustrations are also provided through three general but simple enough classes of systems.