Quantum Distributions for the Plane Rotator

Abstract: Quantum phase-space distributions (Wigner functions) for the plane rotator are defined using wave functions expressed in both angle and angular momentum representations, with emphasis on the quantum superposition between the Fourier dual variable and the canonically conjugate coordinate. The standard quantization condition for angular momentum appears as necessary for consistency. It is shown that at finite temperature the time dependence of the quantum wave functions may provide classical sound waves. Non-thermal quantum entropy is associated with localization along the orbit.