Understanding Zeroth Order Approximations in Landau Level Equations

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In summary, the conversation discusses the Hamiltonian and a problem at a polar coordinate, which leads to the radial equation. The focus is on finding the wavefunction and investigating its behavior at infinity. The approximate equation takes a specific form due to the second derivative being the only term that can compensate for the second term on the left hand side. The conversation also mentions the energy and the need to keep the second derivative in the equation. The conversation concludes with a request for an experiment and a book recommendation about the zeroth order approximation.
  • #1
bobydbcn
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The hamiltonian is [tex]H=\frac{1}{2}(\vec{p}+\frac{\vec{A}}{c})[/tex]. We investigate this problem at a polar coordinate [tex](r,\theta)[/tex]. The radial equation is
[tex][-\frac{1}{2}\frac{d^2}{dr^2}+\frac{1}{2}(m^2-\frac{1}{4})\frac{1}{r^2}+\frac{1}{2}\omega_{L}r^2]u(r)=[E-m\omega_{L}]u(r)[/tex]
in order to find the wavefunction, we must investigate the behavior at the infinity of the differential euqtion.my question is that why the approximate equation take this form at infinity.[tex]r\rightarrow\infty[/tex], the equation becomes
[tex][-\frac{1}{2}\frac{d^2}{dr^2}+\frac{1}{2}\omega_{L}r^2]u(r)=0[/tex].
by the way, the energy is [tex]E=\omega_L(2n+|m|+m+1)[/tex]. we can see that when [tex]r\rightarrow\infty[/tex], then [tex]n\rightarrow\infty[/tex], so the energy above becomes infinity. then we can't omit [tex][E-m\omega_{L}]u(r)[/tex] in the above approximate equation. In my opinion, the equation should be written in the follow formulation:
[tex][-\frac{1}{2}\frac{d^2}{dr^2}+\frac{1}{2}\omega_{L}r^2]u(r)=[E-m\omega_{L}]u(r)[/tex]
Is that right? What is the reason?
 
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  • #2
The right hand side of your equation becomes negligible compared to the second term on the left hand side so you drop it a a zeroth order approximation. The second derivative is the only term which can compensate the second term, hence you keep it.
 
  • #3
DrDu said:
The right hand side of your equation becomes negligible compared to the second term on the left hand side so you drop it a a zeroth order approximation. The second derivative is the only term which can compensate the second term, hence you keep it.

Thank you very much. I got it. Is there experiment that varify the landau level? Can you suggest a book to me about the zeroth order approximation?
 

1. What is a Landau level?

A Landau level is a quantized energy state of electrons in a magnetic field. It is named after physicist Lev Landau who first described the phenomenon.

2. How are Landau levels formed?

Landau levels are formed when a two-dimensional electron gas is subjected to a perpendicular magnetic field. The electrons move in circular orbits around the magnetic field lines, resulting in discrete energy levels.

3. What is the significance of Landau levels?

Landau levels are important in understanding the behavior of electrons in a magnetic field, and are used to explain various quantum phenomena such as the integer and fractional quantum Hall effects.

4. How are Landau levels experimentally observed?

Landau levels can be observed through various experimental techniques such as magneto-optical spectroscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy, and quantum Hall effect measurements.

5. Can Landau levels be manipulated?

Yes, Landau levels can be manipulated by changing the strength of the magnetic field or by applying additional electric fields. This allows for the control of electron behavior and can lead to the discovery of new quantum states and phenomena.

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