Quantization (First, Second)

Abstract

If there is a second quantization, presumably there is also a first quantization. The latter term refers to the ordinary application of the Schrödinger equation to physical objects characterized by wave functions, while the surrounding environment (such as an electromagnetic field) is treated classically. In second quantization the environment is treated quantum-mechanically-the field is quantized-and the wave function is considered as a dynamical system subject to quantization. To put it differently , one takes the wave function of an already quantized system and turns it into an operator.