Proving Coherent States are Eigenfunctions of Annihilation Operators

Otherwise, you can use the Baker-Hausdorff lemma to simplify the exponential. In summary, the coherent states are eigenfunctions of the annihilation operators, and this also holds for the exponential of a sum of operators as long as they commute or the Baker-Hausdorff lemma is used.
  • #1
aaaa202
1,169
2
Look at the following attached picture, where they prove the coherent states are eigenfunctions of the annihiliation operators by simply proving aexp(φa)l0> = φexp(φa)l0>. I understand the proof but does that also prove that:
aiexp(Σφiai)l0> = φiexp(Σφiai)l0> ?
I can see that it would if you can use that:
exp(A+B+...) = exp(A)exp(B)exp(C)...
but does that identity hold for operators and how do you see that?
Because if you just taylor expand the operator sum you get cross terms between i and j and I'm not sure what to do with these.
Edit: the picture might be a bit too small, so you can also just look at p158-159 of http://nanotheoryou.wikispaces.com/file/view/Atland+And+Simons.pdf
 

Attachments

  • atland.png
    atland.png
    56.3 KB · Views: 517
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
If the operators A, B, C commute, you can reorder them like ordinary numbers and hence the factorization of the exponential holds.
 

1. What are coherent states?

Coherent states are a type of quantum state that describe the quantum behavior of a system in a classical-like manner. They are characterized by having a well-defined classical amplitude and phase, and are generated by the action of the annihilation operator on the vacuum state.

2. How are coherent states related to annihilation operators?

Coherent states are eigenfunctions of the annihilation operator, meaning that they are the state vectors that remain unchanged when the annihilation operator acts on them. This property allows for the coherent states to be used as a basis for expanding any quantum state.

3. What is the significance of proving that coherent states are eigenfunctions of annihilation operators?

Proving this relationship is significant because it provides a mathematical foundation for understanding the behavior of coherent states. It also allows for the use of coherent states in various quantum systems and in solving certain mathematical problems in quantum mechanics.

4. How did scientists first prove that coherent states are eigenfunctions of annihilation operators?

The proof was originally derived by physicist Roy J. Glauber in 1963. He used a combination of mathematical techniques, such as Weyl ordering and integration in phase space, to show that coherent states satisfy the eigenvalue equation for annihilation operators.

5. What are the practical applications of coherent states being eigenfunctions of annihilation operators?

Coherent states have many practical applications in quantum optics, quantum computing, and quantum information processing. They are also used in quantum metrology, which involves making precise measurements using quantum systems. Additionally, coherent states play a crucial role in understanding the behavior of lasers, as they can be used to describe the electromagnetic field in a laser beam.

Similar threads

  • Quantum Physics
Replies
1
Views
686
Replies
3
Views
406
Replies
16
Views
1K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
1
Views
808
Replies
14
Views
1K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
3
Views
938
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
14
Views
879
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
12
Views
1K
Back
Top