Is the energy density normalized differently in the quantum case?

In summary, the conversation discusses the Wigner-Weisskopf model in the context of interaction between two-level atoms and an electromagnetic field. The value of the atom-field interaction constant is derived and shown to satisfy a specific equation. The notes referenced in the conversation use a different energy density convention, but it can be explained by switching to a complex field.
  • #1
Hypersphere
191
8
Hi all,

This is all in the context of interaction between (two-level) atoms and an electromagnetic field, basically the Wigner-Weisskopf model. In particular, I tried to derive the value of the atom-field interaction constant and show that it satisfied
[tex]|g_\mathbf{k}|^2=\frac{\omega_\mathbf{k}}{2\hbar \epsilon_0 V} \left( d^2 \cos^2 \theta \right)[/tex]
where [itex]d[/itex] is the dipole moment and [itex]\theta[/itex] is the angle between the dipole moment and the polarization vector.

http://www.stanford.edu/~rsasaki/AP387/chap6 claim that the vacuum field amplitude satisfy the normalization
[tex]\int \epsilon_0 E^2 d^3r = \frac{\hbar \omega}{2}[/tex]
which does lead to the above form of [itex]|g|^2[/itex], but from classical electrodynamics (eg. eq. (6.106) in Jackson, 3rd ed.) I'm used to defining the energy density of the electric field as
[tex]u_E=\frac{1}{2} \epsilon_0 E^2 [/tex]

Now, the notes seem to use a energy density that is [itex]2u_E[/itex]. Is there a good explanation for this, or does it boil down to one of these conventions? Thanks in advance.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Actually, the author of those notes probably just switched to a complex field
[tex]E_V=\sqrt{\frac{\epsilon_0}{2}}E + i\frac{B}{\sqrt{2\mu_0}}[/tex]
in which case the energy density comes out as
[tex]u=\int |E_V|^2 d^3 r = \int \left( \frac{\epsilon_0}{2}E^2 + \frac{B^2}{2\mu_0} \right) d^3 r[/tex]
as it should.
 

1. What is energy density normalization in the quantum case?

Energy density normalization in the quantum case refers to the process of dividing the energy density of a quantum system by a normalization factor to ensure that the total energy of the system is finite.

2. Why is energy density normalization important in the quantum case?

Energy density normalization is important in the quantum case because it allows for the comparison of energy densities between different quantum systems. It also ensures that the total energy of a system is well-defined and not infinite, which is necessary for accurate calculations and predictions.

3. How is energy density normalized in the quantum case?

The energy density is typically normalized by dividing it by the volume of the system or by the number of particles in the system. This ensures that the energy density has the correct units and is comparable between different systems.

4. What is the difference between energy density normalization in the classical and quantum cases?

In the classical case, energy density is often normalized by the total volume or mass of the system. In the quantum case, however, the normalization is typically done by the number of particles or the volume of the system, as the total energy is not always well-defined due to quantum fluctuations.

5. How does energy density normalization affect quantum calculations?

Energy density normalization can greatly affect quantum calculations by ensuring that the results are finite and physically meaningful. It also allows for the comparison of energy densities between different quantum systems, which is essential in understanding and predicting the behavior of these systems.

Similar threads

Replies
10
Views
1K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
3
Views
404
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
905
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
1
Views
658
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
23
Views
2K
Back
Top