Matrix operators Dirac notation

In summary, in matrix representation, an operator X is represented by a square matrix with the elements of form <a'|X|a>...where a' corresponds with the rows and a' with the columns. For the part at the middle of the expression for X at the top, which is just an inner product, and hence a number, we can move it through the rest of the expression. So then, we can just work out \sum \sum |a''> <a'| (an outer product) which will be a square matrix, and multiply each element of this matrix by the corresponding number from the inner product. But when working out this matrix, it turns out to be a diagonal matrix if
  • #1
Master J
226
0
I'm having trouble seeing how an operator can be written in matrix representation.

In Sakurai, for an operator X, we have:

X = [itex]\sum[/itex] [itex]\sum[/itex] |a''> <a''| X |a'> <a'|

since of course [itex]\sum[/itex] |a> <a| is equal to one.

Somehow, this all gets multiplied out and you get a square matrix with the elements of form
<a''| X |a'> ... where a'' correspond with rows and a' columns.

For the part at the middle of the expression for X at the top, which is just an inner product, and hence a number, we can move it through the rest of the expression. So then, we can just work out

[itex]\sum[/itex] [itex]\sum[/itex] |a''> <a'| ( an outer product) which will be a square matrix, and multiply each element of this matrix by the corresponding number from the inner product. But when working out this matrix, it turns out to be a diagonal matrix if we are talking about orthogonal eigenvectors (Sakurai has elements off the diagonal?).

What's more, how do we interpret multiplication of two state functions? Since the bras and kets are nothing more that column and row matrix representations of the state functions, and we are not talking about inner products here (which would be zero of course), just normal multiplication, I don't know how to interpret simply multiplying two state functions together.

Anyway, I can't get out what Sakurai has written out nicely. Anyone care to show me how to work out the expression at the very top? Thanks!
 
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  • #2
You have it all there! Since the [itex]|a \rangle[/itex] are a complete orthonormal system, you get
[tex]X_{aa'}=\langle a |\hat{X} a' \rangle.[/tex]
Applied to an arbitrary ket you find
[tex]\hat{X} |\psi \rangle=\sum_{aa'} |a \rangle \langle a|\hat{X} a' \rangle \langle a'|\psi \rangle =\sum_{a a'} |a \rangle X_{a a'} \psi_{a'}.[/tex]
Thus you get in the representation wrt. this orthonormal system
[tex](\hat{X} \psi)_{a}=\sum_{a'} X_{aa'} \psi_{a'},[/tex]
which is the usual rule for the multiplication of a square matrix with a column vector in a complex vector space. The only difference is that your qm. Hilbert space usually is infinitely dimensional.
 
  • #3
Consider the equality |u>=X|v> where |u> and |v> are arbitrary kets and X is an arbitrary linear operator. You know that this equality implies that ##\langle a'|u\rangle=\sum_{a''}\langle a'|X|a''\rangle\langle a''|v\rangle##. If you just compare this to the definition of matrix multiplication, ##(AB)_{ij}=\sum_k A_{ik}B_{kj}##, you will see that it can be interpreted as a component of a matrix equality. This is the reason why the correspondence between matrices and linear operators is given by the first equality in Vanhees71's post.

Actually, it's easier to understand this if we don't use bra-ket notation, so I suggest that you also read this old post. (Ignore the quote and the stuff below it).
 

What is a matrix operator?

A matrix operator is a mathematical object that operates on a vector or matrix to produce another vector or matrix. It is typically represented as a square matrix with rows and columns, and is used to perform transformations and calculations in various branches of mathematics, including physics and engineering.

What is the Dirac notation?

The Dirac notation, also known as bra-ket notation, is a mathematical notation used to describe quantum states and operations in quantum mechanics. It was developed by physicist Paul Dirac and uses the symbols | and to represent vectors and operators, respectively. It is a concise and powerful notation that simplifies complex mathematical expressions.

How do you represent a matrix operator in Dirac notation?

In Dirac notation, a matrix operator is represented by an operator symbol, such as , followed by the name of the operator, followed by a vector or matrix inside angle brackets. For example, the matrix operator A would be represented as A⟶ and the vector x would be represented as |x>. Together, the expression would be written as A⟶x to indicate that the operator A is acting on the vector x.

What are some common matrix operators used in Dirac notation?

Some common matrix operators used in Dirac notation include the identity operator (I), the Pauli matrices (σx, σy, σz), the projection operator (P), and the Hamiltonian operator (H). These operators are used to perform operations such as rotation, reflection, and measurement in quantum mechanics.

What are the properties of matrix operators in Dirac notation?

Matrix operators in Dirac notation have several important properties, including linearity, hermiticity, and eigenvalue-eigenvector relationships. Linearity means that the operator can be split into multiple operations and then recombined. Hermiticity means that the operator is equal to its own conjugate transpose. Eigenvalue-eigenvector relationships refer to the fact that an operator acting on a vector will produce a new vector that is parallel to the original vector, with a magnitude determined by the eigenvalue of the operator.

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