  In this paper, we begin a quantization program for nilpotent orbits of a real
semisimple Lie group. These orbits and their covers generalize the symplectic
vector space.
  A complex structure polarizing the orbit and invariant under a maximal
compact subgroup is provided by the Kronheimer-Vergne Kaehler structure. We
outline a geometric program for quantizing the orbit with respect to this
polarization.
  We work out this program in detail for minimal nilpotent orbits in the
non-Hermitian case. The Hilbert space of quantization consists of holomorphic
half-forms on the orbit. We construct the reproducing kernel. The Lie algebra
acts by explicit pseudo-differential operators on half-forms where the energy
operator quantizing the Hamiltonian is inverted. The Lie algebra representation
exponentiates to give a minimal unitary ladder representation. Jordan algebras
play a key role in the geometry and the quantization.
