Finding the State of a Quantum System with Given Hamiltonian and Observable

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the state of a quantum system given a Hamiltonian \( H \) and an observable \( A \). The Hamiltonian is defined as \( H=\begin{pmatrix} 2 & 0 & 0\\0 & 0 & 1\\0 & 1 & 0 \end{pmatrix}\hbar\omega \) and the observable as \( A=\begin{pmatrix} 1 & 0 & 0\\0 & 1 & 0\\0 & 0 & -1 \end{pmatrix}a \). The solution provided by the professor is \( |\psi(t)\rangle=\begin{pmatrix} 0\\-isin(\omega t)\\cos(\omega t) \end{pmatrix} \), which is derived from the time evolution equation \( \psi(t)=e^{-iHt/\hbar}\psi(0) \). The discussion emphasizes the importance of using the completeness relation for the eigenkets of \( H \) to arrive at the correct state.

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  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles, specifically Hamiltonians and observables.
  • Familiarity with the time evolution operator \( e^{-iHt/\hbar} \).
  • Knowledge of eigenvalues and eigenvectors in quantum systems.
  • Ability to apply the completeness relation for eigenkets.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the time evolution operator \( e^{-iHt/\hbar} \) in quantum mechanics.
  • Learn about the completeness relation and its application in quantum state calculations.
  • Explore the normalization of eigenvectors and its significance in quantum mechanics.
  • Investigate the role of eigenvalues and eigenvectors in determining the state of quantum systems.
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Students and practitioners of quantum mechanics, particularly those studying Hamiltonians and observables, as well as anyone seeking to understand the time evolution of quantum states.

LizardWizard
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Homework Statement
We are given the Hamiltonian H and an observable A
##H=\begin{pmatrix}
2 & 0 & 0\\0 & 0 & 1\\0 & 1 & 0
\end{pmatrix}\hbar\omega
A=
\begin{pmatrix}
1 & 0 & 0\\0 & 1 & 0\\0 & 0 & -1
\end{pmatrix}a
##
We are also told that at ##t=0## we have that a measurement of A gives us -a, and then we are asked to determine the generic state of the system at time t

The attempt at a solution

For starters, the solution the professor gives is $$|\psi(t)\rangle=
\begin{pmatrix}
0\\-isin(\omega t)\\cos(\omega t)
\end{pmatrix}
$$

Now while I don't know how to arrive to this solution in particular, I know this result most likely follows from $$\psi(t)=e^{-iEt/\hbar}$$
since we already have that ##E=\hbar\omega##
But how exactly do I arrive at the solution provided? This is somewhat different from all the exercises I've seen so far so I don't really know the calculations involved.
 
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I thought I'd add some extra information. In another exercise we have
##H=\begin{pmatrix}
0 & 1 & 0\\1 & 0 & 0\\0 & 0 & 1
\end{pmatrix}\hbar\omega
A=
\begin{pmatrix}
-1 & 0 & 0\\0 & 1 & 0\\0 & 0 & -1
\end{pmatrix}a
##
and solution
$$|\psi(t)\rangle=
\begin{pmatrix}
-isin(\omega t)\\cos(\omega t)\\0
\end{pmatrix}
$$
Perhaps this helps illustrate my problem with this. The solution itself makes sense to me but the mechanism behind it elude me.

By the way this is my first post so please don't hesistate to give feedback.
 
LizardWizard said:
$$\psi(t)=e^{-iEt/\hbar}$$
It should be ##\psi(t)=e^{-iHt/\hbar}\psi(0)##, with ##\psi(0) = |u_3\rangle## (##|u_3\rangle## is the eigenket of ##A## correponding to eigenvalue ##-a##) as given by the problem. Next, make use of the completeness relation for the eigenkets of ##H##,
$$
\sum_{n=1}^3 |e_n\rangle \langle e_n| = 1
$$
with ##|e_n\rangle## the eigenket of ##H##, and place it somewhere in ##e^{-iHt/\hbar}\psi(0)## such that the exponential operator can act on ##|e_n\rangle##.
 
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If the solution lies in having the eigenvectors of H act on ##\psi(t)## then I have, for the first example $$|e_1>=[1 0 0]$$$$|e_2>=[0 -1 1]$$$$|e_1>=[0 1 1]$$
from these ##|e_2>## would lead to the solution I am given, but would the other eigenvectors also lead to valid solutions? The same happens with the second example.
 
LizardWizard said:
from these |e2>|e2>|e_2> would lead to the solution I am given, but would the other eigenvectors also lead to valid solutions?
I don't know what you mean by ##|e_2\rangle## being the only eigenvector of ##H## which contributes to the answer. Using the completeness relation above, I have checked that ##|e_3\rangle## also contributes.
By the way, the eigenvectors you have there must first be normalized, otherwise, the completeness relation won't work.
 
I see, could you psot your solution then perhaps?
 
In PF, the helper is only allowed to guide the OP towards the correct answer without providing the final answer.
What about your own try, what did you get after properly utilizing the completeness relation in the equation ##\psi(t)=e^{-iHt/\hbar}|u_3\rangle##?
 
Last edited:
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Ok, I understand. I'll go try it one more time now and see if it works out.
 

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