Eigen functions of momentum operator

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the eigenfunctions of the momentum operator in quantum mechanics, specifically addressing their membership in Hilbert space and the conditions for square integrability. Participants reference the text "Introduction to QM" by D. Griffiths and explore the implications of these mathematical properties.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the assertion that eigenfunctions of the momentum operator do not belong to Hilbert space, arguing that the integral gives a finite value.
  • Another participant clarifies that in quantum mechanics, functions must be square integrable, noting that the integral of \( e^{ipx} \) over all space does not exist, thus disqualifying it from being a member of the space of square integrable functions.
  • A participant presents a solution for the eigenfunction of the momentum operator as \( A \exp(ihx/p) \), claiming it satisfies the condition for the \( L^2(a,b) \) space, suggesting that the integral of its modulus squared is finite.
  • A later reply corrects the notation to \( A \exp(i px/\hbar) \) and states that such functions are square-integrable only if the domain is compact, while they are not square-integrable over the entire real line.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the square integrability of the eigenfunctions of the momentum operator, with some asserting that they do not belong to Hilbert space while others argue for their inclusion under certain conditions. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the conditions under which these functions may or may not belong to the Hilbert space.

Contextual Notes

There is an ongoing debate about the definitions and conditions for square integrability, particularly concerning the domain of integration (compact vs. non-compact). The discussion highlights the dependence on the interpretation of mathematical properties in quantum mechanics.

esornep
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Hello,
I am going through the book Introduction to QM by D.Griffiths. In the third chapter the book says the eigen functions of the momentum operator do not belong to the Hilbert space ... But the only condition that a vector belongs to the Hilbert vector space is
that the integral gives a value between intervals ... and the function we get is also giving a finite value ... i mean the constant remains ... please help and correct if i am wrong ... thanks
 
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It's because in quantum mechanics we require that the functions be square integrable, the integral of e^ipx over all space does not exist so it is not a member of the space of square integrable functions.

I'd advise dropping Griffiths' book though, it's a very bad introduction to qunatum mechanics imo.
Try Landau and Lifgarbagez' book or even Zettili's book.
 
the solution to the eigen function of the momentum operator is A*exp(ihx/p) where p is the eigen value which is satisfying the condition for the L2(a,b) space ... i.e., integral of the modulus of the complex number square which turns out to be A*2 ... which is less than infinity ... so y does it not fall in the L2(a,b) group ... ?
 
esornep said:
the solution to the eigen function of the momentum operator is A*exp(ihx/p) where p is the eigen value which is satisfying the condition for the L2(a,b) space ... i.e., integral of the modulus of the complex number square which turns out to be A*2 ... which is less than infinity ... so y does it not fall in the L2(a,b) group ... ?

I think you mean ##A \exp i px/\hbar##. In any case, this is square-integrable if the domain is compact. It is not square-integrable if the domain is ##\mathbb{R}##.
 

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