Recent content by qtm912

  1. Q

    Action of the time reversal operator on the QM wave equation

    Applying the time reversal operator to the plane wave equation: Ψ = exp [i (kx - Et)] T[Ψ ] = T{exp [i (kx - Et)]} = exp [i (kx + Et)] This looks straightforward as I have simply applied the 'relevant equation' however my doubt is in relation to the possible action of operator T on the i...
  2. Q

    I Minkowski Metric: When to Use It

    My main question has been answered, which I believe is that in flat space the Minkowski metric should be used whether operating from an inertial or non inertial frame. The form of the metric may differ based on the most convenient representation (Rindler example was given) of it but the nature...
  3. Q

    I Minkowski Metric: When to Use It

    I am trying to get a few concepts straight in my mind. There is no homework question here. 1) If we lived in Minkowski space and had to work in a rotating frame of reference would the Minkowski metric still be the one to use? I assume yes as even if the frame is non inertial the geometry of...
  4. Q

    A Eigenvalues for a non self adjoint operator

    Noted - and after thinking about it further I realized that orthogonalisation in this case was not necessary using this method of deriving the coefficients. Your comments were very helpful in clearing some doubts thanks - the topic has been fully addressed and can be closed..
  5. Q

    A Eigenvalues for a non self adjoint operator

    Thanks fresh_42 - thinking about it some more it lines up with what I had in mind - for the eigenvalues anyway. But we have not applied any weight function; now the operator by assumption was not self adjoint so does this not mean that the polynomial terms I later derive in the y expansion...
  6. Q

    A Eigenvalues for a non self adjoint operator

    Hi all- I am trying to obtain eigenvalues for an equation that has a very simple second order linear differential operator L acting on function y - so it looks like : L[y(n)] = Lambda (n) * y(n) Where y(n) can be written as a sum of terms in powers of x up to x^n but I find L is non self...
  7. Q

    Asymptotic perturbation theory

    Having just watched Prof Carl Bender's excellent 15 lecture course in mathematical physics on YouTube, the following question arose: The approach was to work in one space dimension and to solve the schrodinger equation for more general potentials than the harmonic oscillator using asymptotic...
  8. Q

    Light polarisation and photon spin

    Thank you
  9. Q

    Light polarisation and photon spin

    What is the link between the polarisation of light and photon spin?
  10. Q

    Curvature of space and spacetime

    i am trying to understand the relationship between the two on a local and global scale and how these two concepts are related to the Ricci scalar. Is it correct to say that as far as we know on a global scale, spacetime is flat so that the Ricci scalar is zero. If so, what can be said about...
  11. Q

    A GR question about null surfaces, vectors and coordinates

    Hi again, I am a bit unfamiliar with the notation here, how is g(del-r, del-r) defined?
  12. Q

    A GR question about null surfaces, vectors and coordinates

    Ok many thanks to you both for clarifying.
  13. Q

    A GR question about null surfaces, vectors and coordinates

    Ok thanks I especially found helpful your comment about 4 vectors that have zero length but that are not the zero vector. A follow on question if ok : what then is a null coordinate.
  14. Q

    A GR question about null surfaces, vectors and coordinates

    I wondered anyone can explain the significance of the above as applied to metrics in the context of general relativity. This came up when the video lecturer in GR mentioned that r for example, was null or this or that vector or surface was null, say in the context of the eddington finkelstein...
  15. Q

    Time evolution operator versus propagate

    Yes that clarifies it very well. Thank you very much.
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