Expectation value in terms of density matrix

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Thread starter entropy1
Start date May 22, 2016
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Density Density matrix Expectation Expectation value Matrix Terms Value

In summary, the expectation value in terms of density matrix is a mathematical concept used in quantum mechanics to calculate the average value of a physical quantity. It is related to quantum mechanics and is an important tool in understanding the behavior of quantum particles and systems. The density matrix is significant in calculating expectation values as it represents the state of a quantum system and contains information about probabilities. The expectation value in terms of density matrix can be used to make predictions about quantum systems, and it is a more versatile method compared to others.

May 22, 2016

entropy1

It says in Susskind's TM:

##\langle L \rangle = Tr \; \rho L = \sum_{a,a'}L_{a',a} \rho_{a,a'}##

with ##a## the index of a basisvector, ##L## an observable and ##\rho## a density matrix. Is this correct? What about the trace in the third part of this equation?

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May 22, 2016

entropy1

Never mind, I see it now. Thanks.

What is the expectation value in terms of density matrix?

The expectation value in terms of density matrix is a mathematical concept used in quantum mechanics to calculate the average value of a physical quantity. It is calculated by taking the trace of the product of the density matrix and the operator corresponding to the physical quantity.

How is the expectation value in terms of density matrix related to quantum mechanics?

In quantum mechanics, the expectation value in terms of density matrix is used to calculate the average value of a physical quantity in a quantum system. It is an important tool in understanding the behavior of quantum particles and systems.

What is the significance of the density matrix in calculating expectation values?

The density matrix is a mathematical tool used to represent the state of a quantum system. It contains information about the probabilities of different states of the system, and is essential in calculating expectation values of physical quantities.

Can the expectation value in terms of density matrix be used to make predictions about quantum systems?

Yes, the expectation value in terms of density matrix can be used to make predictions about the behavior of quantum systems. By calculating the expectation value of a physical quantity, we can determine the most likely outcome of a measurement on the system.

How is the expectation value in terms of density matrix different from other methods of calculating expectation values?

The expectation value in terms of density matrix is a more general and versatile method of calculating expectation values compared to other methods, such as the wave function or matrix methods. It can be applied to a wider range of systems and allows for more complex calculations.