Degenerate Perturbation Theory (Particle in 3D box)

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The discussion revolves around solving a quantum mechanics problem involving a particle in a cubical box, focusing on degeneracy and perturbation theory. The first excited state is identified as triply degenerate with a specific energy expression. The user has constructed a matrix to analyze the effects of a perturbation on the energy levels but is confused about the next steps in solving the matrix equation and calculating the necessary integrals. They seek clarification on how to handle the matrix elements and the integrals involved in the perturbation theory calculations. The conversation highlights the challenges of applying perturbation theory in quantum mechanics.
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Homework Statement



Consider a particle confined in a cubical box with the sides of length L each.
Obtain the general solution to the eigenvalues and the corresponding eigenfunctions.

Compute the degeneracy of the first excited state.

A perturbation is applied having the form

H' = V from 0 <x < ##\frac{L}{2}## and 0<y<##\frac{L}{2}##
= 0 elsewhere

Compute the first order shifts in the energy levels of the first excited state due to the perturbation.
Construct the corresponding eigenstates.


Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution

I'm struggling with perturbation theory.

I solved the first part of the problem.
the first excited state is triply degenerate
and has Energy equal to:
## E = \frac{\pi^2\hbar^2}{2mL^2}(n_1^2+n_2^2+n3^2) = \frac{6\pi^2\hbar^2}{3mL^2}####\psi = (\frac{2}{L})^\frac{3}{2}sin(k_1x)sin(k_2y)sin(k_3z)##

the quantum numbers have to start at n = 1

so for the excited state the degeneracy is

##n_1 = 1, n_2 = 1, n_3 = 2 ## corresponds to ##\psi_1## and ##E_1##
##n_1 = 1, n_2 = 2, n_3 = 1 ## corresponds to ##\psi_2## and ##E_2##
##n_1 = 2, n_2 = 1, n_3 = 1 ## corresponds to ##\psi_3## and ##E_3##
Now, I've used projection operators on the Hamiltonian and have gotten through a series of steps the following matrix:

\begin{array}{cc}
E_1 + <1|V|1> & <1|V|2> & <1|V|3> \\
<2|V|1> & E_2 + <2|V|2> & <2|V|3>\\
<3|V|1> & <3|V|2> & E_3+<3|V|3>
\end{array}

which is equal to the matrix:

\begin{array}{cc}
<1|i>\\
<2|i>\\
<3|i>
\end{array}

with ##E_i## multiplied in front (sorry, I don't know how to write that here)

Now, I think I should bring that over and solve like a normal

## (A-\lambda I)x = 0## problem

but what do I do with the subscript i?
Do I drop it?

I also don't know what to do from here.
I tried asking my professor, but he just told me to "solve the integrals."

What integrals??
I'm so lost.

Any help would really be appreciated.
I know that matrix with the bras and kets should have lots of zeros, but I don't know how to get it like that...
 
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d3nat said:

Homework Statement



Consider a particle confined in a cubical box with the sides of length L each.
Obtain the general solution to the eigenvalues and the corresponding eigenfunctions.

Compute the degeneracy of the first excited state.

A perturbation is applied having the form

H' = V from 0 <x < ##\frac{L}{2}## and 0<y<##\frac{L}{2}##
= 0 elsewhere

Compute the first order shifts in the energy levels of the first excited state due to the perturbation.
Construct the corresponding eigenstates.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution




I'm struggling with perturbation theory.

I solved the first part of the problem.
the first excited state is triply degenerate
and has Energy equal to:
## E = \frac{\pi^2\hbar^2}{2mL^2}(n_1^2+n_2^2+n3^2) = \frac{6\pi^2\hbar^2}{3mL^2}##


##\psi = (\frac{2}{L})^\frac{3}{2}sin(k_1x)sin(k_2y)sin(k_3z)##

the quantum numbers have to start at n = 1

so for the excited state the degeneracy is

##n_1 = 1, n_2 = 1, n_3 = 2 ## corresponds to ##\psi_1## and ##E_1##
##n_1 = 1, n_2 = 2, n_3 = 1 ## corresponds to ##\psi_2## and ##E_2##
##n_1 = 2, n_2 = 1, n_3 = 1 ## corresponds to ##\psi_3## and ##E_3##



Now, I've used projection operators on the Hamiltonian and have gotten through a series of steps the following matrix:

\begin{array}{cc}
E_1 + <1|V|1> & <1|V|2> & <1|V|3> \\
<2|V|1> & E_2 + <2|V|2> & <2|V|3>\\
<3|V|1> & <3|V|2> & E_3+<3|V|3>
\end{array}

which is equal to the matrix:

\begin{array}{cc}
<1|i>\\
<2|i>\\
<3|i>
\end{array}

with ##E_i## multiplied in front (sorry, I don't know how to write that here)
How can a 3x3 matrix be equal to a 3x1 matrix? What did you get for the matrix elements?

Now, I think I should bring that over and solve like a normal

## (A-\lambda I)x = 0## problem

but what do I do with the subscript i?
Do I drop it?

I also don't know what to do from here.
I tried asking my professor, but he just told me to "solve the integrals."

What integrals??
I'm so lost.

Any help would really be appreciated.
I know that matrix with the bras and kets should have lots of zeros, but I don't know how to get it like that...
 

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