Quantization of second order Lagrangian systems using WKB approximation

Abstract:
A general theory is given for quantizing both constrained and unconstrained systems with second-order Lagrangian, using the WKB approximation. In constrained systems, the constraints become conditions on the wave function to be satisfied in the semiclassical limit. This is illustrated with one example for regular systems and two examples that cover different types of constraints for singular systems.