The Formulation of Quantum Mechanics

Abstract

Abstract. The origin of the algebra of the non-commuting operators of quantum mechanics is explained in the general Fényes-Nelson stochastic models in which the diffusion constant is a free parameter. This is achieved by continuing the diffusion constant to imaginary values, a continuation which destroys the physical interpretation, but does not affect experimental predictions. This continuation leads to great mathematical simplification in the stochastic theory, and to an understanding of the entire mathematical formalism of quantum mechanics. It is more than a formal construction because the diffusion parameter is not an observable in these theories.