Displacement operator, squeeze operator - problem interpreting notation....

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around interpreting the notation related to displacement and squeeze operators in quantum mechanics, specifically focusing on the relations involving the annihilation operator and a scalar parameter.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the interpretation of the expression involving the annihilation operator and a scalar, questioning how to add a scalar to an operator. Some reference the Hadamard lemma and commutation relations to clarify their understanding.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the notation and assumptions in the equations presented. Some participants suggest that the scalar might need to be interpreted in the context of the identity operator, indicating a productive direction in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the interpretation of the equations, particularly in relation to the addition of scalars and operators. The original poster indicates a lack of understanding of the expressions provided, which may influence the discussion's direction.

Emil_M
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Homework Statement


Prove the following relations (for ##\zeta:=r e^{i\theta}##):
<br /> \begin{align}<br /> D(\alpha)^\dagger a D(\alpha)&amp;=a+\alpha\\<br /> S(\zeta)^\dagger a S(\zeta)&amp;= a \cosh r- a^ \dagger e^{i\theta} \sinh r<br /> \end{align}<br />

Homework Equations


##|\alpha\rangle## is the coherent state. ##a## and ##a^\dagger## are the creation and annihilation operators. ##\alpha## is the eigenvalue of the annihilation operator.
Thus, ##a|\alpha\rangle=\alpha|\alpha\rangle##.

The Attempt at a Solution


I really cannot attempt a solution here, because I don't seem understand expression (1). If ##a## is an operator, and ##\alpha## is a scalar, I really don't know how to interpret the expression ##a+\alpha##.

Thanks for your help!
 
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Identity operator times alpha?
 
Consider the relations
$$
e^ABe^{-A} = B + [A,B] + \frac{1}{2!}[A,[A,B]] + \frac{1}{3!}[A,[A,[A,B]]] + \ldots
$$
as well as ##[a,a^\dagger]=1##.
 
blue_leaf77 said:
Consider the relations
$$
e^ABe^{-A} = B + [A,B] + \frac{1}{2!}[A,[A,B]] + \frac{1}{3!}[A,[A,[A,B]]] + \ldots
$$
as well as ##[a,a^\dagger]=1##.

Thank you for your reply! I know the Hadamard lemma, as well as the commutator relation (with ##1## being the unity operator). I am just not sure how to add a scalar to an operator. Could DrDu be right in assuming the equation was meant to read

<br /> D(\alpha)^\dagger a D(\alpha)=a+\mathbb{U}\alpha<br />

with ##\mathbb{U}## being the unity operator?
 
Emil_M said:
Could DrDu be right in assuming the equation was meant to read

D(α)†aD(α)=a+UαD(α)†aD(α)=a+Uα​
D(\alpha)^\dagger a D(\alpha)=a+\mathbb{U}\alpha

with UU\mathbb{U} being the unity operator?
Yes he's completely right.
 
blue_leaf77 said:
Yes he's completely right.
Thanks,!
 

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