Vector Potential in Schrodinger eqn

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the magnetic field (B field) from the vector potential (A) in the context of the Schrödinger equation. The vector potential is expressed as A = -iħ∇ψ/2m, where ħ is the reduced Planck's constant, ∇ is the gradient operator, ψ is the wave function, and m is the mass of the particle. The B field is calculated using the equation B = ∇ x A, which represents the curl of the vector potential. To ensure gauge invariance, the equation can be modified to include the current density, resulting in B = ∇ x A + μ0J, where μ0 is the permeability of free space and J is the current density.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector calculus, specifically curl and cross product
  • Familiarity with quantum mechanics concepts, particularly the Schrödinger equation
  • Knowledge of gauge invariance in electromagnetic theory
  • Basic understanding of magnetic fields and potentials
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the mathematical properties of curl and its applications in electromagnetism
  • Explore gauge theories and their implications in quantum mechanics
  • Learn about the role of current density in electromagnetic fields
  • Investigate the physical interpretations of the vector potential in quantum mechanics
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, quantum mechanics students, and researchers in electromagnetism seeking to deepen their understanding of the relationship between vector potentials and magnetic fields.

sinyud
Messages
23
Reaction score
0
How do you get the B field from the magnetic potential?
I tried converting the curl into matrix format, but the corresponding matrix can't be inverted.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
The vector potential is added to the Schrödinger equation by making the substitution
[tex]\vec{p} = \vec{p} - e/c\vec{A}[/tex].
 


The vector potential in the Schrödinger equation is defined as A = -iħ∇ψ/2m, where ħ is the reduced Planck's constant, ∇ is the gradient operator, ψ is the wave function, and m is the mass of the particle. It is a mathematical construct that helps simplify the Schrödinger equation and allows for a more elegant and intuitive understanding of the behavior of quantum particles in a magnetic field.

To get the B field from the magnetic potential, we can use the equation B = ∇ x A, where x represents the cross product. This means that the B field is equal to the curl of the vector potential. However, as you mentioned, the matrix representation of the curl cannot be inverted. This is because the vector potential is a gauge-dependent quantity, meaning that it can vary depending on the choice of gauge. Therefore, the matrix representation of the curl will also vary and may not always be invertible.

To overcome this issue, we can use the gauge-invariant quantity known as the magnetic flux density (B-field) instead of the vector potential. The B-field is defined as B = ∇ x A + μ0J, where μ0 is the permeability of free space and J is the current density. This equation takes into account the contribution of the current density, making it independent of the choice of gauge. Therefore, we can use this equation to calculate the B-field from the magnetic potential and current density.

In summary, the B field can be obtained from the magnetic potential by using the equation B = ∇ x A, but to ensure gauge-invariance, we can also include the contribution of the current density in the form of the magnetic flux density equation B = ∇ x A + μ0J.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 39 ·
2
Replies
39
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 41 ·
2
Replies
41
Views
11K