Quantizing Nonholonomic Systems

Recent developments in nanomanufacturing have produced molecular ``nanocars'' that roll on (usually) gold surfaces. Macroscopically, these nanocars are just cars, which are classic examples of nonholonomic systems---mechanical systems subject to non-integrable velocity constraints. Data on the energy required to set the nanocars in motion exists, but no theory of ``quantum nonholonomic mechanics'' exists. In this talk I will discuss my recent article developing such a theory for particular classes of nonholonomic systems, and my current work on extending that theory to develop a theoretical model for nanocars' quantum dynamics.