How to diagonalize Hamiltonian with Zeeman field

In summary, the conversation discusses the problem of an electron in a Zeeman-field with a coupled spin and magnetic field. The Hamiltonian is set up by tensoring the usual terms with an identity matrix and adding the Zeeman term. The question of how to solve this Hamiltonian is raised, with the suggestion of using perturbation theory. It is also mentioned that an exact analytical expression for the eigenenergies can be found by finding a unitary transformation to rotate B in the direction of the z axis. However, this only diagonalizes the interaction Hamiltonian and not the full Hamiltonian.
  • #1
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Recently I have been asked to solve the problem of an electron in a Zeeman-field that couples the spin of the electron to the magnetic field.
I am not sure how to correctly set up the problem. I think, however, that what I have done on the picture is correct. The usual p^2/2m + V term in the Hamiltonian is tensored with the identity matrix and the Zeeman term is added in the usual way.
I am however unsure how to solve this Hamiltonian. How do you solve something like this with both an eigenvalue equation in the matrix structure and in the spatial part of H?
 

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  • #2
This is usually solved perturbatively. Most QM textbooks have a chapter on time-independent perturbation theory.
 
  • #3
Okay but is it not possible to find the exact analytical expression for the eigenenergies?
 
  • #4
Easy. Just find a unitary transformation which rotates B in the direction of the z axis. Then the hamiltonian will be diagonal as only the sigma_z component remains.
 
  • #5
DrDu said:
Easy. Just find a unitary transformation which rotates B in the direction of the z axis. Then the hamiltonian will be diagonal as only the sigma_z component remains.
This diagonalizes the interaction Hamiltonian, but not the full Hamiltonian.
 
  • #6
If B is constant, it does, at least in spin space.
 
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1. What is a Hamiltonian with Zeeman field?

A Hamiltonian with Zeeman field is a mathematical representation of the energy of a quantum system in the presence of an external magnetic field, known as the Zeeman field. It takes into account the spin and orbital angular momentum of the particles in the system and how they interact with the magnetic field.

2. Why is it important to diagonalize the Hamiltonian with Zeeman field?

Diagonalizing the Hamiltonian with Zeeman field allows us to find the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the system, which represent the allowed energy states of the system. This is crucial for understanding the behavior of the system and making predictions about its behavior under different conditions.

3. How is the Hamiltonian with Zeeman field diagonalized?

The Hamiltonian with Zeeman field is typically diagonalized using a mathematical technique called the diagonalization algorithm. This involves solving a set of coupled differential equations to determine the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the system.

4. What factors affect the diagonalization of the Hamiltonian with Zeeman field?

The diagonalization of the Hamiltonian with Zeeman field is influenced by several factors, including the strength and orientation of the magnetic field, the number and types of particles in the system, and the interactions between the particles and the magnetic field.

5. What are the applications of diagonalizing the Hamiltonian with Zeeman field?

Diagonalizing the Hamiltonian with Zeeman field has many practical applications in physics, chemistry, and engineering. It is used to analyze and predict the behavior of materials in magnetic fields, design quantum computing systems, and understand the properties of atomic and molecular systems.

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