How Does Time-Dependent Perturbation Theory Explain Quantum State Evolution?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around time-dependent perturbation theory in quantum mechanics, specifically focusing on the evolution of quantum states under a small perturbation. The original poster presents a problem involving the calculation of a specific expression related to the state evolution of a quantum system.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to derive an expression for the overlap of the perturbed state with an energy eigenstate, while some participants question the correctness of the original formulation and suggest a missing factor in the sine function. Others clarify their understanding of the relationship between sine and cosine in the context of the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants engaging in clarifying the mathematical expressions involved. There is a recognition of potential errors in the original poster's formulation, and some guidance is offered regarding the correct expression. However, there is no explicit consensus on the final answer.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating through the nuances of quantum mechanics and perturbation theory, with some expressing a desire for additional resources such as solved papers in quantum mechanics.

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Given a system,
[itex]H = H_0 + V[/itex]
V is a small perturbation that does not depend on time.

the system is in [itex]|E_0>[/itex] at time [itex]t_0[/itex]
[itex]H_0 |E_n> = E_n |E_n>[/itex]
[itex]H_0 |E_0> = E_0 |E_0>[/itex]

Let [tex]|\Psi(t)>[/tex] be the solution of the system.
Let [tex]|\Phi(t)>[/tex] be the solution of the system without perturbation.
Let [tex]|u(t)> = |\Psi(t)> - |\Phi(t)>[/tex].

Show that [tex]|<E_n|u(t)>|^2 = 4 |V_{n0}|^2 [{{\sin(t - t_0)(E_n - E_0)/\hbar}\over{E_n - E_0}}]^2[/tex]

at lowest order
No matter how many times I try, the answer I get is

[tex]|<E_n|u(t)>|^2 = 2 |V_{n0}|^2 [{{1 - \cos(t - t_0)(E_n - E_0)/\hbar}\over{E_n - E_0}}]^2[/tex]

Please help!
 
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I think you got the right answer, but u don't have the correct question, it should be show that ...sin(.../2), there is a divide by 2 missing in the sine function. I looked it up in my quantum book.
 
Sorry,
I typed wrongly,

My answer was
[tex]|<E_n|u(t)>|^2 = 2 |V_{n0}|^2 [{{1 - \cos(t - t_0)(E_n - E_0)/\hbar}\over{(E_n - E_0)^2}}][/tex]

Ya, you are brilliantly right,

Since,
[tex]2\sin^2\theta/2 = 1 - \cos\theta[/tex]

There should be a "divided by 2" inside the Sine
 
How can i get certain solved papers in quantum mechanics?
thanks
 

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