Degenerate Perturbation Theory (Particle in 3D box)

In summary, the problem involves a particle confined in a cubical box with a perturbation applied to it. The first part of the problem involves obtaining the general solution to the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions, and the degeneracy of the first excited state. The next part involves computing the first order shifts in the energy levels and constructing the corresponding eigenstates. The student is struggling with perturbation theory and has used projection operators on the Hamiltonian to obtain a 3x3 matrix. They are unsure of what to do next and have asked for help in solving the integrals involved.
  • #1
d3nat
102
0

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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  • #2
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...
 

1. What is Degenerate Perturbation Theory?

Degenerate Perturbation Theory is a mathematical technique used in quantum mechanics to calculate the energy levels and wave functions of systems that have degenerate (equal) energy levels.

2. How does Degenerate Perturbation Theory work?

Degenerate Perturbation Theory involves treating the degenerate states as a linear combination of non-degenerate states, and then using perturbation theory to calculate the new energy levels and wave functions.

3. What is the significance of Degenerate Perturbation Theory in particle in 3D box?

In the context of a particle in a 3-dimensional (3D) box, Degenerate Perturbation Theory is used to calculate the energy levels and wave functions of a particle that is confined within a box with equal dimensions in all three dimensions.

4. What are the limitations of using Degenerate Perturbation Theory in particle in 3D box?

Degenerate Perturbation Theory assumes that the perturbation is small and does not take into account higher order corrections. It also does not work well for systems with highly degenerate energy levels.

5. How is Degenerate Perturbation Theory applied in real-life scenarios?

Degenerate Perturbation Theory has many applications in physics, including in the study of atoms, molecules, and condensed matter systems. It is also used in quantum computing and in the design of electronic devices.

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