Unitary spacetime translation operator

In summary, a unitary spacetime translation operator is a mathematical operator used in quantum mechanics to describe the changes in a system when it undergoes a translation in space and time. It is typically represented by the letter T and its properties are given by the unitary operator U(T) = e^-iHt, where H is the Hamiltonian operator. Unitarity is important in a spacetime translation operator as it ensures the preservation of probability, and it acts on a quantum state by shifting it in space and time. There is a close relationship between unitary spacetime translation and momentum, as the operator encapsulates the relationship between momentum and energy changes under translations.
  • #1
omephy
18
0
Srednicki eqn. (2.23) and (2.24) states: We can make this a little fancier by defining the unitary spacetime translation operator

[tex] T(a) \equiv \exp(-iP^\mu a_\mu/ \hbar) [/tex]

Then we have
[tex] T(a)^{-1} \phi(x) T(a) = \phi(x-a) [/tex]

How do we get the second equation from the first equation?
 
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  • #2
If you believe eq. (2.22) just above this, then you can plug ##\phi(x) = e^{-iPx/\hbar}\phi(0)e^{+iPx/\hbar}## into eq. (2.24). Then using the definition of ##T(a)## you can verify that eq. (2.24) holds.
 
  • #3
Lovely answer.
 

1. What is a unitary spacetime translation operator?

A unitary spacetime translation operator is a mathematical operator that describes how a quantum system changes when it undergoes a translation in space and time. It is an important concept in quantum mechanics and is used to study the behavior of particles and fields in spacetime.

2. How is a unitary spacetime translation operator represented?

A unitary spacetime translation operator is typically represented by the letter T, and its properties are given by the unitary operator U(T) = e-iHt, where H is the Hamiltonian operator that describes the energy of the system. In some cases, it may also be represented by the letter U or exp(-iHt).

3. What is the importance of unitarity in a spacetime translation operator?

Unitarity is important in a spacetime translation operator because it ensures that the transformation preserves the probability of the system. This means that the total probability of finding the system in any state remains the same after the translation. In quantum mechanics, it is essential for maintaining the fundamental principle of conservation of probability.

4. How does a unitary spacetime translation operator act on a quantum state?

A unitary spacetime translation operator acts on a quantum state by shifting it in space and time. For example, if a particle is in a state described by the wavefunction ψ, then after a translation by a distance x and time t, the new state will be described by the wavefunction ψ'(x,t) = Tψ(x,t), where T is the unitary spacetime translation operator.

5. What is the relationship between unitary spacetime translation and momentum?

There is a close relationship between unitary spacetime translation and momentum. According to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, the momentum of a particle is related to its position by ΔpΔx ≥ h/4π. This means that a translation in space by a distance x can lead to a change in momentum, and a translation in time by an amount t can lead to a change in energy. The unitary spacetime translation operator encapsulates this relationship and allows us to understand how a system's momentum and energy change under translations.

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