Express arbitrary state in second quantization

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around expressing an arbitrary 2-particle state in the framework of second quantization, specifically focusing on the correct formulation to avoid double counting pairs of particles. The context includes theoretical considerations related to quantum statistics and the implications of particle indistinguishability.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes a general expression for a 2-particle state using creation operators and a vacuum state, but notes the issue of double counting pairs.
  • Another participant points out the need to specify the statistics of the particles involved (Bose, Fermi, or distinguishable).
  • A later reply clarifies that the particles in question are fermions, suggesting that it suffices to sum over indices where m

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the final expression for the 2-particle state, as the discussion includes different considerations based on particle statistics.

Contextual Notes

There is an implicit assumption regarding the treatment of particle statistics, and the discussion does not resolve how to handle cases with different types of particles or the implications of indistinguishability in detail.

daudaudaudau
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How do I express an arbitrary 2-particle state in second quantization? I could write this
[tex] |\psi\rangle=\sum_{mn}c_{mn} a_m^\dagger a_n^\dagger |0\rangle[/tex]
where [itex]c_{mn}[/itex] is a constant, [itex]a_n^\dagger[/itex] is the creation operator and [itex]|0\rangle[/itex] is the vacuum state. The only problem is that I want to sum over all PAIRS, and when I write the sum like this, all pairs are included twice, which is a mess.
 
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Well, you did not specify the statistics (Bose, Fermi, distinguishable particles?).
 
Fermi.
 
Then it is enough to take m<n (because of the anticommutation).
 

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