Discover the Exp Operator Expansion Identity for Form-Based Operators

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the search for an expansion identity for the exponential of products of operators, specifically of the form \exp \left ( \hat{A} \hat{B} \right ). Participants explore various decomposition methods, including the Baker-Campbell-Hausdorff (BCH) formula and its applicability to different types of operators, particularly in the context of quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about an expansion identity for \exp \left ( \hat{A} \hat{B} \right ) and mentions the BCH decomposition for e^{\hat{A} + \hat{B}}.
  • Another participant notes that if the operators commute, the series simplifies to A^n B^n, but otherwise, it involves calculating many commutators.
  • A participant describes their specific interest in decomposing the Cross Kerr unitary transformation, which involves photon number operators, and seeks a decomposition for bosonic operators, contrasting it with the Hubbard-Stratonovich decomposition for fermionic operators.
  • One participant asserts that the BCH formula applies regardless of whether the operators are bosonic or fermionic, linking it to the Taylor series expansion.
  • Another participant challenges the relevance of the BCH formula to the original question, emphasizing that the OP was already aware of it and that it does not address the product of operators.
  • There is a suggestion to use the operator product expansion in conjunction with the BCH formula, though this is met with skepticism regarding its applicability to the specific case of decomposing a product of commuting operators.
  • A participant reiterates the conditions under which the BCH formula holds, specifically mentioning the requirement that certain commutators vanish.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the applicability of the BCH formula to the original inquiry. While some assert its relevance, others argue that it does not address the specific case of the product of operators as requested by the OP. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to the problem posed.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in the applicability of the BCH formula, particularly concerning the conditions under which it holds. There is also mention of the need for specific decompositions for bosonic operators, which complicates the discussion.

MaverickMenzies
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Does anyone of an exp operator expansion identity that for operators of the form:

<br /> \exp \left ( \hat{A} \hat{B} \right )<br /> [\tex]<br /> <br /> For example, I know of the BHC decomposition:<br /> <br /> &lt;br /&gt; e^{\hat{A} + \hat{B}} = e^{-\frac{ [ \hat{A}, \hat{B} ]}{2}} e^{\hat{A}} e^{\hat{B}}&lt;br /&gt; [\tex]&lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt; I&amp;#039;ve heard that there exists such an expansion for the first case but i can&amp;#039;t find it anywhere. I&amp;#039;d be grateful if anyone could supply me a reference or at least point me to it.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt; Cheers.
 
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If they commute, then yes, each term in the series is just A^n B^n. Otherwise you have to just calculate a LOT of commutators and hope something nice works out. What specific problem were you trying to tackle?
 
I am trying to decompose the Cross Kerr unitray transformation i.e. the unitary operator:

\exp \left ( i \varphi \hat{n}_{1} \hat{n}_{2} \right )

Where the operators in question are photon number operators in two different radiation modes.

I understand that there exists a decomposition (besides the taylor series expansion) of this operator using the Hubbard-Stratonovich decomposition. However, this decomposition requires that the creation and annihilation operators are fermomic. I, however, need a corresponding decomposition for bosonic operators.

Any suggestions?
 
The formula for exponential operator expansions of this sort is called the Baker-Campbell-Haussdorf formula which holds regradless if the operators are bosonic or fermionic and is a result of the mentioned taylor series expansion.
 
Epicurus said:
The formula for exponential operator expansions of this sort is called the Baker-Campbell-Haussdorf formula which holds regradless if the operators are bosonic or fermionic and is a result of the mentioned taylor series expansion.


Too quick off the mark, Epicurus. The OP already knew that:

MaverickMenzies said:
For example, I know of the BHC decomposition:

and knew that BCH didn't handle the case he was asking about.
 
Could you use the operator product expansion, and then the BCH formula?
 
Could you use the operator product expansion, and then the BCH formula?

I don't see how. The BHC formula states that:

e^{\hat{A} + \hat{B}} = e^{- [ \hat{A}, \hat{B} ]/2} e^{\hat{A}} e^{\hat{B}}

when [\hat{A},[\hat{A},\hat{B}]] = [\hat{B},[\hat{A},\hat{B}]]

i.e. it refers to the sum of operators in an expotential. I want to decompose a product of (commuting operators).
 
Yes, BCH, or CBH or whatever you want to call it, states that

exp(A +B) = exp(A)exp(B)exp([A,B]/2),

and this hold only when [A,[A,B]] = [B,[A,B]] = 0.

There's nothing in this theorem that precludes fermion operators.
(See Mandel and Wolf, Optical Coherence and Quantum Optics, p 319-320 for a detailed discussion.)

Regards,
Reilly Atkinson
 

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