Universal procedure for enforcing quantum constraints

An abstract formulation of quantum dynamics in the presence of a general se t of quantum constraints is developed. Our constructive procedure is such t hat the relevant projection operator onto the physical Hilbert space is obt ained with a single, common integration procedure over the original Lagrang e multiplier variables that is completely independent of the general nature of the constraints. In the associated lattice-limit formulation it is demo nstrated that expansion of the constraint operator contribution to second o rder in the lattice spacing is necessary while, as usual, only a first-orde r expansion is needed for the dynamical operator contribution. Among variou s possibilities, coherent state path integrals are used to illustrate a com pletely functional representation of the abstract quantization procedure. ( C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V.