Generating function for canonical transformation

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on finding the generating function for a given canonical transformation defined by Q and P in terms of p and q. The participant initially struggles to identify independent variables and expresses frustration with the additional terms encountered while attempting to derive the Hamiltonian relationship. After some manipulation, they determine that Q and p are independent coordinates, indicating that the generating function is of the third kind, F_3(Q, p). They derive expressions for q and P in terms of F_3 and ultimately combine results to propose a form for F_3. The participant seeks validation on their derived expression for the generating function.
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Homework Statement


Given the transformation

Q = p+iaq, P = \frac{p-iaq}{2ia}


Homework Equations


find the generating function


The Attempt at a Solution



As far as I know, one needs to find two independent variables and try to solve. I couldn't find such to variables.

I've tried expressing it in terms of F(Q,P), and F(q,p) but always had one more term in the equation that prevented me from getting to H(q,p) = -H(Q,P) + \frac{\partial F}{\partial t}

I'm pretty clueless as to what is needed here. Can someone help me get started?

Thanks.
 
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Ok, this is what I did :

Q = 2ia(P + 2q) , P = \frac{p-iaq}{2ia}
which means that Q and p are independent coordintes, which means the generating function will be of the third kind, F_3(Q,p).

for the third kind,
q = -\frac{\partial F_3}{\partial p} = \frac{p}{ia}-2P
P = -\frac{\partial F_3}{\partial Q} = \frac{Q}{2ia}-2q

from the first equation we get
F_3 = 2pP - \frac{p^2}{2ia} + F(Q)
and from the second
F_3 = 2Qq - \frac{Q^2}{4ia} + F(p)

summing both I get
F_3 = 2Qq + 2pP - \frac{1}{2ia} (p^2 + \frac{Q^2}{2})

Does this seem right??
 
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