Abstract
The method of path integrals developed by Feynman in the paper “Space-Time Approach to Non-Relativistic Quantum Mechanics” of 1948, is one way of formulating the quantum theory. This development joins previous ones: (i) the formulation developed by Schrödinger, Heisenberg, Dirac, Von Neumann, Born and Jordan, which is based on the Hilbert space, and (ii) the phase space picture also known as Moyal's Quantization which is based on the quasi- distribution function of Wigner proposed in 1932 and leads to the non-commutative mathematical structure defined by the star product (*). In this work, we present a pedagogical review of points considered basic for the development realised by Feynman. We emphasize Dirac's research line in the search for analogies between the classical and quantum mechanics as well a the postulates formulated by Feynman in the article quoted above. We note that these aspects although important for the comprehension of the path integrals formulation are little known and little divulged of complete form. In order to elucidate the method an example is presented and its relationship to time-dependent Schrödinger equation analyzed.
Keywords:
quantum mechanics; path integrals; the action principle