Quantum operator hermiticity. Show that S is Hermitian

In summary, the spin operator S has eigenvectors |R> and |L>, with S|R> = |R> and S|L> = -|L>. The eigenvectors are also orthonormal. An operator A is considered Hermitian if <ψ|A|Θ> = <Θ|A|ψ>*. To determine if an operator is Hermitian, use the definition and check if <ψ|S|L> = <L|S|ψ>*. For example, if P is an operator with P|R> = |L> and P|L> = |R>, you would check if <ψ|P|L> = <L
  • #1
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Homework Statement


Spin Operator S has eigenvectors |R> and |L>,
S|R> = |R>
S|L> =-|L>

eigenvectors are orthonormal

Homework Equations


Operator A is Hermitian if <ψ|A|Θ> = <Θ|A|ψ>*



The Attempt at a Solution


<ψ|S|L> = <L|S|ψ>* // Has to be true if S is Hermitian
LHS: <ψ|S|L> = <ψ|-|L>
<ψ|-|L>* = <L|-|ψ>

Question: how do i know how S acts on any function like |ψ> ?
Could somebody provide an algorithm to find if an operator is Hermitian.
I have another example of operator P, where P|R> = |L>
P|L> = |R>
How should i go on about this?
 
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  • #2
Use the definition of a hermitian operator:

[tex]\langle\psi|S|\psi\rangle^{\dagger} = \langle\psi|S^{*}|\psi\rangle = \langle\psi|S|\psi\rangle[/tex]
 

Related to Quantum operator hermiticity. Show that S is Hermitian

1. What is the concept of hermiticity in quantum operators?

In quantum mechanics, a Hermitian operator is one that is equal to its own Hermitian conjugate. This means that the operator and its conjugate, which is obtained by taking the complex conjugate of each element of the operator, produce the same result when acting on a wavefunction. This property is essential in quantum mechanics as it ensures that the eigenvalues of the operator are real, and the corresponding eigenfunctions are orthogonal.

2. How do you determine if a quantum operator is Hermitian?

To determine if a quantum operator is Hermitian, we need to compare the operator with its Hermitian conjugate. If the two operators are equal, then the operator is Hermitian. Mathematically, this can be represented as A = A, where A is the operator and A is its Hermitian conjugate.

3. What is the significance of Hermiticity in quantum mechanics?

Hermiticity is a fundamental property in quantum mechanics as it ensures that the observables in the system have real values. This is important because the eigenvalues of these observables represent the possible outcomes of measurements, and they must be real and physically meaningful. Additionally, Hermiticity guarantees the orthogonality of the eigenfunctions, which is crucial in the calculation of probabilities in quantum mechanics.

4. Can all quantum operators be Hermitian?

No, not all quantum operators can be Hermitian. Operators that represent physical observables, such as position, momentum, and energy, are Hermitian. However, operators that do not correspond to physical observables, such as the time evolution operator, may not be Hermitian. It is essential to note that while all Hermitian operators are observable, not all observables are Hermitian.

5. How do you show that a given operator S is Hermitian?

To show that a given operator S is Hermitian, we need to compare it with its Hermitian conjugate S. If S = S, then S is Hermitian. This can be done by taking the complex conjugate of each element of the operator and comparing it with the original operator. If they are equal, then the operator is Hermitian.

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