Energy spectrum of a chain of quantum oscillators

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around deriving the energy spectrum of a one-dimensional chain of identical quantum oscillators from its Hamiltonian using Fourier transforms of position and momentum operators. Participants explore the mathematical expressions involved, particularly focusing on the terms related to the potential and kinetic energy in the Hamiltonian.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks clarification on the derivation of terms like ## \sum x_l x_{l+m} ## and ## \sum p_l^2 ## from the Fourier transformed coordinates.
  • Another participant suggests a resource that may provide a clearer treatment of the problem.
  • A later reply questions the absence of ## \hbar ## in the final Hamiltonian provided in the suggested notes compared to the Wikipedia article, raising concerns about potential discrepancies in the treatment.
  • Another participant explains that physicists sometimes use natural units where ## \hbar = c = 1 ##, suggesting that dimensional requirements should be checked to determine if ## \hbar ## is necessary.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the mathematical details and the treatment of units in the Hamiltonian. There is no consensus on whether the absence of ## \hbar ## is a mistake or a matter of convention.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need to verify dimensional requirements for the Hamiltonian and the implications of using natural units, which may affect the interpretation of the results.

SataSata
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I am trying to derive the energy spectrum of a 1D chain of identical quantum oscillators from its Hamiltonian by Fourier transforming the position and momentum operator.

I came across this: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phonon#Quantum_treatment
However, I am unsure of the mathematics. Specifically, ## \sum x_l x_{l+m} ## onwards.
I am unsure of how ## \sum x_l x_{l+m} ## and ## \sum p_l^2 ## is derived from the two Fourier transformed coordinates and how the potential energy term is expressed.

Can anybody explain or provide another source that is more clear in the math?
 
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SataSata said:
Can anybody explain or provide another source that is more clear in the math?

well i saw a very lucid treatment of your problem in the following-
<
https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/...quantum.../MIT22_51F12_Ch9.pdf>
by P Cappellaro - ‎2011
i think it may help,thanks
 
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drvrm said:
well i saw a very lucid treatment of your problem in the following-
<
https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/...quantum.../MIT22_51F12_Ch9.pdf>
by P Cappellaro - ‎2011
i think it may help,thanks

Thank you for the help. However, in the notes you provided, the final Hamiltonian does not have a ##\hbar##, but in the wiki, there is a ##\hbar##. Is that a mistake or am I missing something here?
 
SataSata said:
the final Hamiltonian does not have a ℏℏ\hbar, but in the wiki, there is a ℏℏ\hbar. Is that a mistake or am I missing something here?

many a time physicists use such units as h bar=c=1 esp. in high energy physics but you may check whether the dimensional requirements need a hbar and if it is necessary you can always put in Planck's constant ...
 
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