Formally exact quantum variational principles for collective motion based on the invariance principle of the Schrödinger equation

Abstract
The time-dependent variational principle of the Schrödinger equation is applied to a formally exact solution of the Schrödinger equation whose variational elements are operators which define a collective subspace of the many-body system under study. This generalizes the procedure employed to derive time-dependent Hartree-Fock theory. Four distinct formally exact time-independent variational principles, including several familiar forms, are derived. Application to a class of exactly soluble models, studied in the vibrational regime, illustrates the different modes of implementation of two of the principles. The general theory of large amplitude collective motion is derived. It is shown that the principles can be applied equally well, using either boson or fermion pair degrees of freedom. Some aspects of the relation to the semiclassical limit are discussed.