2016/11/30 by Anton Galajinsky, Ivan Masterov · 1 citation
Mathematics · Physics and Astronomy · #hep-th #math-ph #math.MP
paper · pdf · doi:10.1016/j.physletb.2016.11.059
V2: 12 pages, minor improvements, references added; the version to appear in PLB
arxiv created 2016/11/30 · arxiv updated 2016/12/07
The Eisenhart lift provides an elegant geometric description of a dynamical system of second order in terms of null geodesics of the Brinkmann-type metric. In this work, we attempt to generalize the Eisenhart method so as to encompass higher derivative models. The analysis relies upon Ostrogradsky's Hamiltonian. A consistent geometric description seems feasible only for a particular class of potentials. The scheme is exemplified by the Pais-Uhlenbeck oscillator.