Ternary generalization of Heisenberg's Algebra

Abstract: A concise study of ternary and cubic algebras with $Z_3$ grading is presented. We discuss some underlying ideas leading to the conclusion that the discrete symmetry group of permutations of three objects, $S_3$, and its abelian subgroup $Z_3$ may play an important role in quantum physics. We show then how most of important algebras with $Z_2$ grading can be generalized with ternary composition laws combined with a $Z_3$ grading. We investigate in particular a ternary, $Z_3$-graded generalization of the Heisenberg algebra. It turns out that introducing a non-trivial cubic root of unity, $j = e^{\frac{2 \pi i}{3}}$, one can define two types of creation operators instead of one, accompanying the usual annihilation operator. The two creation operators are non-hermitian, but they are mutually conjugate. Together, the three operators form a ternary algebra, and some of their cubic combinations generate the usual Heisenberg algebra. An analogue of Hamiltonian operator is constructed by analogy with the usual harmonic oscillator, and some properties of its eigenfunctions are briefly discussed.