p-Adic Dirac Equations, Continuous-Time Quantum Walks, and Quantum Networks

Abstract:We introduce a new class of p-adic Dirac equations, formulated in the standard axiomatic framework of quantum mechanics, in which the ordinary spatial derivatives are replaced by non-local operators built from arbitrary integrable kernels. We diagonalize the resulting free Dirac Hamiltonian in momentum space, construct its plane-wave solutions, determine its spectrum, and establish a p-adic charge-conjugation symmetry relating particle and antiparticle sectors. We then discretize the free equation in two ways, both giving genuine continuous-time quantum walks rather than the discrete-time, coined walks that dominate the existing literature: a first construction on a countable covering of the underlying p-adic space, and a second, more explicit construction on a finite, tree-structured graph, for which we prove that the transition probabilities, once the internal (particle/antiparticle) components of the wavefunction are combined, form a genuine, properly normalized set of transition probabilities at every instant of time; in other words, ignoring the internal structure of the walk, it behaves exactly like an ordinary random walk on that graph. Building on this stochastic-matrix property, we discuss how the resulting construction can serve as the foundation of a quantum network with genuinely relativistic-type internal degrees of freedom, complementing earlier, non-relativistic p-adic quantum neural networks. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first continuous-time quantum walk whose free dynamics coincides exactly with a Dirac equation on a hierarchical graph. We close with a discussion of the open mathematical and computational problems raised by this construction.

arXiv:2609.04358 [quant-ph]

(or arXiv:2609.04358v1 [quant-ph] for this version)

https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2609.04358 Focus to learn more arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite (pending registration)

arXivLabs is a framework that allows collaborators to develop and share new arXiv features directly on our website.

Both individuals and organizations that work with arXivLabs have embraced and accepted our values of openness, community, excellence, and user data privacy. arXiv is committed to these values and only works with partners that adhere to them.

Have an idea for a project that will add value for arXiv's community? Learn more about arXivLabs.