Despite the seminal connection between classical multiply periodic motion and Heisenberg matrix mechanics, we show that there are fundamental, previously undisclosed aspects of this quantum-classical correspondence.These include a quantum variational principle that implies the classical variational principle for invariant tori and the connection between commutation relations and quantization of action variables. Possible applications are described briefly.

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The problem of semiclassical quantization of nonseparable systems with a finite number of degrees of freedom is studied within the framework of Heisenberg matrix mechanics, in extension of previous work on one-dimensional systems. The relationship between the quantum theory and multiply-periodic classical motions is derived anew. A suitably averaged Lagrangian provides a variational basis not only for the Fourier components of the semiclassical equations of motion, but also for the general definition of action variables. A Legendre transformation to the Hamiltonian verifies that these have been properly chosen and therefore provide a basis for the quantization of nonseparable systems. The problem of connection formulas is discussed by a method integral to the present approach. The action variables are shown to be adiabatic invariants of the classical system. An elementary application of the method is given. The methods of this paper are applicable to nondegenerate systems only.

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