[check exercise] Perturbation theory

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem in perturbation theory, specifically analyzing a Hamiltonian with degeneracy and determining energy-level shifts and eigenvectors. The original poster presents their attempts at solving the exercise, which involves calculating eigenvalues and eigenvectors for a given Hamiltonian and perturbation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to clarify the degeneracy of the Hamiltonian and calculate the energy shifts for the eigenstates. They express uncertainty about the correctness of their eigenvalue calculations and the representation of the state at time t.

Discussion Status

Participants are engaged in checking the calculations presented by the original poster, with some offering corrections and clarifications regarding eigenvalues and state representations. There is a recognition of differing indexing for states, indicating a productive dialogue on the topic.

Contextual Notes

Participants are discussing the implications of perturbation theory in the context of a specific Hamiltonian and perturbation setup, with attention to the details of eigenvalue calculations and state evolution over time.

bznm
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I have solved this exercise, but I'm not sure that it is good. Please, can you check it? A lot of thanks!

1. Homework Statement

The hamiltonian is ##H_0=\epsilon |1><1|+5/2 \epsilon (|2><2|+|3><3|)##
The perturbation is given by ##\Delta(|2><3|+|3><2|)##

Discuss the degeneration of H0.
Using perturbation theory, find energy-level shift and their eigenvectors.
Solve *exaclty* the problem with ##H=H_0+V##
Consider ##\Delta=\epsilon/2## . In t=0, the system is described by ##|s(0)>=|2>##,. Find ##|s(t)>##2. The attempt at a solution
H is degenerative: the eigenvalue relative to the vector |1> is epsilon. But vectors |2> and |3> have the same eigenvalue.

The energy level related to |1> hasn't energy shift produced by V.
Energy shifts for |2> and |3> are ##\pm \Delta##

For ##\lambda=\Delta## the eigenvector is ##|v_1>=1/ \sqrt 2 (|2>+|3>)##
For ##\lambda=- \Delta## the eigenvector is ##|v_2>=1/ \sqrt 2 (|2>-|3>)##

The exactly resolution of the problem, give me the eigenvalues: ##\lambda_1= \epsilon##, ##\lambda_2= 5/2 \epsilon + \Delta##, ##\lambda_3= \epsilon##. The corresponding eigenvectors are ##v_0=|1>##, ##|v_1>=1/ \sqrt 2 (|2>+|3>)## ,##|v_2>=1/ \sqrt 2 (|2>-|3>)##

The last point is the one that I'm not so sure that could be good:

I have written |2> as linear combination of |v_1> and v_2>:
##|2>= 1/ \sqrt 2 (|V_1>+|v_2>##, so
##|s(t)>=e^{-iHt/ \hbar} 1/ \sqrt 2 (|V_1>+|v_2>)= 1/ \sqrt 2 e^{-i2 \epsilon t / \hbar} (|v_2>+e^{-i \epsilon t / \hbar} |v_1>)##
 
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Check again your value for ##\lambda_3##.
 
Oh, I'm sorry! I have done a typo.. :(
## \lambda_3 =5/2 \epsilon - \Delta ##
 
bznm said:
##|s(t)>=e^{-iHt/ \hbar} 1/ \sqrt 2 (|V_1>+|v_2>)= 1/ \sqrt 2 e^{-i2 \epsilon t / \hbar} (|v_2>+e^{-i \epsilon t / \hbar} |v_1>)##
The eigenvalues of the new Hamiltonian give you the new energy level corresponding to ##|v_1\rangle##, ##|v_2\rangle##, and ##|v_3\rangle##. Therefore ##e^{-iHt/\hbar}|v_i \rangle = e^{-iH\lambda_i t/\hbar}|v_i \rangle ## for ##i=1,2,3##.
 
mmh.. I haven't understood.. where was I wrong?
 
Ah sorry I just realized we are using different indexing for the new states. Yes your answer is correct.
 

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