Do you know what this particular unitary operator is?

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In summary, the unitary operator exp( \frac{i}{\hbar}aX^2/2) transforms the operator P_x +aX to P_x. When applied to the momentum operator, it produces the desired result of P_x, confirming the answer to the initial question.
  • #1
QMrocks
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Recall that the unitary operator [itex] exp(\frac{i}{\hbar}aX) [/itex] transform the operator [itex] P_x +a [/itex] to [itex] P_x [/itex].

Now, what is the unitary operator that transform the operator [itex] P_x +aX [/itex] to [itex] P_x [/itex] ??

:confused:
 
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  • #2
QMrocks said:
Recall that the unitary operator [itex] exp(\frac{i}{\hbar}aX) [/itex] transform the operator [itex] P_x +a [/itex] to [itex] P_x [/itex].

Now, what is the unitary operator that transform the operator [itex] P_x +aX [/itex] to [itex] P_x [/itex] ??

:confused:

you mean P_x to P_x + a

[itex] exp(- \frac{i}{\hbar}aX) [/itex]

: )

Seratend.

EDIT: sorry bad reading:
[itex] exp( \frac{i}{\hbar}aX^2/2) [/itex] is the answer to your question
 
Last edited:
  • #3
seratend said:
[itex] exp(- \frac{i}{\hbar}aX) [/itex]

: )

Seratend.

Nope......
 
  • #4
There is no typo.
 
  • #5
QMrocks said:
There is no typo.

See corrected previous post.

Seratend.
 
  • #6
seratend said:
EDIT: sorry bad reading:
[itex] exp( \frac{i}{\hbar}aX^2/2) [/itex] is the answer to your question

Thanks. Thats the answer i tempted to throw in too. But i have my doubts.. :confused:
 
  • #7
QMrocks said:
Thanks. Thats the answer i tempted to throw in too. But i have my doubts.. :confused:

Doubts, why? You just have to calculate.
Hint: try to see what the unitary operator exp(i a(X)) does on the momentum operator.

Seratend.
 
  • #8
My bad, Seratend. You are absolutely right! Case close :)
 

1. What is a unitary operator?

A unitary operator is a type of linear operator in mathematics and physics that preserves the inner product of a vector space. In other words, it maintains the length and angle between vectors in a space. Unitary operators are commonly used in quantum mechanics to describe physical systems.

2. How is a unitary operator different from other types of operators?

Unitary operators differ from other types of operators, such as Hermitian and anti-Hermitian operators, in that they preserve the norm (length) of vectors and the orthogonality (angle) between them. They also have the property of being invertible, meaning that they have a corresponding inverse operator.

3. What are some common examples of unitary operators?

Some common examples of unitary operators include rotation matrices, reflection matrices, and the identity matrix. In quantum mechanics, the most well-known unitary operator is the quantum gate, which is used to manipulate qubits in quantum computers.

4. How do unitary operators relate to quantum entanglement?

Unitary operators play a crucial role in quantum entanglement, which is a phenomenon where two or more quantum particles become connected in such a way that the state of one particle cannot be described without including the state of the other particles. Unitary operators are used to entangle particles, and the application of unitary operators on one particle can affect the state of the entangled particles.

5. Can unitary operators be used in other fields besides quantum mechanics?

While unitary operators are most commonly used in quantum mechanics, they can also be applied in other fields such as signal processing, image processing, and linear algebra. In signal processing, unitary operators can be used to compress data, while in image processing, they can be used for image enhancement or restoration. In linear algebra, unitary operators have applications in solving systems of linear equations.

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