Half Spin in QM: Calculating Probability of Measured Eigenvalue at Time T=2T

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a quantum mechanics problem involving a half spin system and the calculation of the probability of measuring a specific eigenvalue after a series of time evolutions under varying magnetic fields. The original poster describes the initial conditions and the Hamiltonian governing the system's dynamics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to derive the time evolution of the state vector under different magnetic field orientations and questions whether their approach to applying the Hamiltonian is correct. They also seek clarification on the calculation of the probability amplitude.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided feedback on the original poster's calculations, with one suggesting that the approach appears reasonable, while another expresses uncertainty about a potential missing factor. The discussion reflects a mix of validation and questioning of the calculations presented.

Contextual Notes

The problem involves specific assumptions about the Hamiltonian and the effects of changing magnetic fields, which may influence the calculations. The original poster is also seeking confirmation on the correctness of their derived probability expression.

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Problem:
a half spin has an eigenstate of the opertaor S_x (which is defined by the multiplication of half h bar times pauli sigma x matrix) of eigen value + half h bar at time t=0.
the spin is at a magnetic field (0,0,B) which correspond to the hamiltonian [tex]H=w(B)\hbar*\sigma_z[/tex], at time T they change the direction of the magnetic field to the y direction: (0,B,0), after another time T a measurement of S_x was done, what is the probability that the value measured is the one we started with?

My answer:
now from 0<t<T we have that [tex]|\psi(t)>=e^{-iHt/\hbar}|\psi(0)>[/tex]
which equals: [tex]|\psi(t)>=\frac{1}{\sqrt 2}(cos(wt)-isin(wt),cos(wt)+isin(wt))[/tex]
now from T to 2T we have a magnetic field working in the y direction, does it mean we should act the above operator on |psi(T)> but with the appropiate change i.e should it be soemthing like this, at time t=T, [tex]|psi(T)>=\frac{1}{\sqrt 2}(cos(wT)-isin(wT),cos(wT)+isin(wT))[/tex], now in order to find |psi(t)> at [T,2T] should it be:
[tex]|\psi(t)>=e^{-iw(B)\hbar \sigma_y(t-T)/\hbar}|\psi(T)>[/tex] or something else?
from there in order to calculate the wanted probability i need to compute:
[tex]||<\psi(0)|\psi(2T)>|^2[/tex]
is my approach correct or does it have loopholes?

any input?
thanks in advance.
 
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anyone?
if someone already asked such a question please do point me to his thread.
 
okay with my approach i got that that the probability is cos^2(2wT), is correct or not, i don't know, do you?
 
looks ok.
 
Well I think I miss a factor of 0.25, there.
 
my bad, I got through my calculuations and i don't think there's missing a factor.
 

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