Can unitary operators on hilbert space behaive like rotations?

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SUMMARY

Unitary operators on Hilbert spaces can behave like rotations, particularly in finite-dimensional spaces such as R^2 and R^n. The discussion establishes that for fixed non-zero elements x and y in a Hilbert space, a unitary operator U can be defined such that cU(x) = y for some constant c. In R^2, U can be represented as a suitable rotation, while in higher dimensions, the concept of rotation requires a more complex definition due to the limitations of one-parameter linear transformations.

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Homework Statement


unitary operators on hilbert space


Homework Equations


is there a unitary operator on a (finite or infinite) Hilbert space so that cU(x)=y, for some
constant (real or complex), where x and y are fixed non-zero elements in H ?


The Attempt at a Solution


I know the answer in R^2, it is enough to consider U a suitable rotation so that U(x)
be a point on the straight line Ry={ry; r ε R}, and then there is a scaler r in R so that
rU(x)=y. I guess this is true for R^n too.
 
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You would need to define "rotation" in a Hilbert space. In 2D Euclidean space it is a one-parameter linear transformation. Scaling is also a one-parameter linear transformation. Together that is two parameters, which is just enough to describe any element in 2D. This, of course, would not work in a higher-dimensional space, not even Euclidean 3D.
 

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