Asymptotic behaviour after perturbation

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the asymptotic behavior of a wave function after the introduction of small perturbations in quantum mechanics. The Hamiltonian is defined as H = H0 for t < 0 and H = H0 + V + R for t ≥ 0, where V represents a small perturbation and R is an even smaller random perturbation. Participants assert that the wave function ψ(t=∞) becomes highly unpredictable, indicating that the particle's position and momentum become indeterminate despite initial conditions. A formal equation relating the wave function to the eigenstates of V and R is sought for clarity on this behavior.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles, particularly wave functions and Hamiltonians.
  • Familiarity with perturbation theory in quantum mechanics.
  • Knowledge of eigenstates and their significance in quantum systems.
  • Basic grasp of asymptotic analysis in mathematical physics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "Quantum Mechanics Perturbation Theory" for foundational concepts.
  • Study "Eigenstates and Eigenvalues in Quantum Mechanics" to understand their role in wave functions.
  • Explore "Asymptotic Analysis in Quantum Systems" for insights into long-term behavior of wave functions.
  • Investigate "Formal Solutions in Quantum Mechanics" to find equations relevant to perturbations.
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This discussion is beneficial for quantum physicists, researchers in theoretical physics, and students studying advanced quantum mechanics, particularly those interested in perturbation theory and wave function behavior.

Gerenuk
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Is it possible to write down a statement about the asymptotic behaviour of the wave function after a small perturbation has been switched on?

So I have and initial wave function [itex]\psi_0[/itex] and the Hamiltonian
[tex]H=\begin{cases}<br /> H_0 & t<0\\<br /> H_0+V+R & t\geq 0<br /> \end{cases}[/tex]
where V is a small perturbation and R and even smaller random extra perturbation. It would be nice to have the wavefunction [itex]\psi(t=\infty)[/itex] in terms of the eigenstates of V.
 
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Gerenuk said:
Is it possible to write down a statement about the asymptotic behaviour of the wave function after a small perturbation has been switched on?

So I have and initial wave function [itex]\psi_0[/itex] and the Hamiltonian
[tex]H=\begin{cases}<br /> H_0 & t<0\\<br /> H_0+V+R & t\geq 0<br /> \end{cases}[/tex]
where V is a small perturbation and R and even smaller random extra perturbation. It would be nice to have the wavefunction [itex]\psi(t=\infty)[/itex] in terms of the eigenstates of V.

The wave-function is asymptotic regardless AFAIK. So your particle at infinite time could be literally anywhere at any speed or not even existent anymore (as the same particle) etc. So the eigenstates could be whatever you wanted to chose but the idea is that we would now know nothing at all about the particle whatsoever (and it would be extremely unpredictable even after a short amount of time, even with ALL the knowledge of the particles initial position and momentum).
 
I need an formal solution in terms of V, R and so on. The particle wouldn't be everywhere since if H0 were an infinite well, the particle of course would be within the well. Anyway, I'm looking for *an equation* as the solution.
 

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