Effect of time reversed hamiltonian acting on a state?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effect of a time-reversed Hamiltonian on a quantum state, specifically examining the implications of the time reversal operator and the relationship between the forward and backward Hamiltonians. The scope includes theoretical considerations and mathematical reasoning related to quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, Brage, discusses the time-reversed Hamiltonian ##H^B(t)=H(-t)=T^{-1}H^F T## and its implications on a state ket ##|\psi>##, noting the assumption that the Hamiltonian is not time-invariant.
  • Brage derives that ##T^{-1}i\partial_t T=T^{-1}H^F T=H^B##, leading to a potential contradiction with the assumption that ##[H^F,H^B]\neq 0##.
  • Another participant questions the derivation of the first equality in Brage's reasoning.
  • A different participant agrees with the first equality but expresses uncertainty about the second equality unless the state is linear in time.
  • One participant acknowledges a mistake regarding the use of the derivative with respect to time, realizing that ##d(-t)=-dt## is relevant to the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the first equality in Brage's reasoning, but there is disagreement and uncertainty regarding the subsequent implications and the conditions under which the second equality holds.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights potential limitations in the assumptions made about the Hamiltonian's properties and the nature of the state, particularly regarding linearity in time.

Brage
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Hi, I have been trying to get my head around the effect of a time reversed hamiltonian ##H^B(t)=H(-t)=T^{-1}H^F T ## on a state ket ##|\psi>##, where ##H^F=H## is the regular hamiltonian for the system (energy associated with forward time translation) and ##H^B=H(-t)## is the time reversed hamiltonian, and ##T## is the time reveral operator. I here assume the hamiltionian is not time-invariant. Let me explain my through process:

As ##i\partial_t = H## this implies that ##T^{-1}i\partial_t T=T^{-1}H^F T=H^B##.

But ##T^{-1}i\partial_t T=-T^{-1}iT\partial_t=i\partial_t##, as ##T^{-1}iT = -i##. Which would seem to imply that ##H^F|\psi>=H^B|\psi>##, which seemingly contradicts the assumed condition ##[H^F,H^B]\neq 0##. I assume this means I have made a mistake somewhere but can't seem to find it.

I would appreciate any help from people who can point out my error, cheers!

Brage
 
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How does the first equality in your third paragraph arise?
 
Well ##T\partial_t |\psi>=\partial_{-t}T|\psi>## so then ##T\partial_t |\psi>=-\partial_{t}T|\psi>## correct?
 
I agree with the first equality, but I don't see how the second equality follows unless the state is linear in t.
 
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Jilang said:
I agree with the first equality, but I don't see how the second equality follows unless the state is linear in t.
Oh of course I was using ##d(-t)=-dt##. Cheers for that!
 
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