Fermi's golden rule derivation

In summary, the conversation discusses the wavefunction expressed in terms of a complete set of states of the unperturbed Hamiltonian in both Thompson's book and Susskind's lecture. The question is raised if it is correct to change the coefficients to be time-dependent and use this new expression in the presence of an interaction Hamiltonian. The expert summarizes that the first and second equations are not equivalent as the second only applies to time-independent potentials, and it is unclear why there is a desire to change the coefficients if the potential is not a function of time.
  • #1
-marko-
9
0
I'm reading Modern Particle Physics by Mark Thomson and watching Susskind's lecture on QM. In Thompson's book, equation (2.41) the wavefunction is expressed in terms of complete set of states of the unperturbed Hamiltonian as
[tex] \Psi(\textbf{x}, t) = \sum_{k} c_k(t)\phi_k(\textbf{x})e^{-iE_kt} [/tex]

Susskind explains the same thing and the result is
[tex] |\Psi(\textbf{x}, t)\rangle = \sum_{j} \alpha_j(0)e^{-iE_jt}|j\rangle [/tex]

Is it correct to change
[tex] \alpha_j(0) \rightarrow \alpha_j(t) [/tex]
and use
[tex] |\Psi(\textbf{x}, t)\rangle = \sum_{j} \alpha_j(t)e^{-iE_jt}|j\rangle [/tex]
in the presence of an interaction Hamiltonian?

After introducing time-dependent coefficients αj, Susskind's and Thompson's expressions should be "equal", right?

Many thanks :)
 
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  • #2
I don't really get what you are trying to ask. The first and second equations are clearly inequivalent since the second only applies to time-independent potentials whereas the first is for more general potential. I don't know why you want to change from ##\alpha_j(0)## to ##\alpha_j(t)## if your potential is not a function of time.
 

What is Fermi's golden rule derivation?

Fermi's golden rule derivation is a mathematical formula used in quantum mechanics to calculate transition rates between energy states.

What is the significance of Fermi's golden rule derivation?

Fermi's golden rule derivation is used to understand and predict the behavior of particles at the quantum level, which is crucial in fields such as atomic and nuclear physics, as well as in the development of technologies such as transistors and lasers.

How is Fermi's golden rule derivation derived?

Fermi's golden rule derivation is derived from the Schrödinger equation and the perturbation theory, which involves calculating the probability of a particle transitioning from one energy state to another in the presence of a time-dependent perturbation.

What are the limitations of Fermi's golden rule derivation?

Fermi's golden rule derivation is only applicable to systems with a constant perturbation and assumes that the perturbation is small enough that it does not significantly alter the overall system. Additionally, it does not take into account the effects of multiple perturbations or the dynamics of the perturbation itself.

How is Fermi's golden rule derivation applied in experiments?

Fermi's golden rule derivation is used to analyze experimental data and calculate transition rates between energy states, which can then be compared to theoretical predictions. It is also used in the design and optimization of experiments to control and manipulate the behavior of particles at the quantum level.

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