Harmonic Oscillator-Normalisation & Annihilation Operator

In summary, the conversation discusses determining the normalisation constant for the wavefunction given by \psi(x) = N\sum_{n=0}^\infty \frac{\beta^n}{\sqrt{n!}}\psi_n(x) and showing that it is an eigenstate of the 'a' annihilation operator. The individual attempts at solving these problems are also mentioned.
  • #1
n0_3sc
243
1
Homework Statement

Wavefunction:
[tex] \psi(x) = N\sum_{n=0}^\infty \frac{\beta^n}{\sqrt{n!}}\psi_n(x) [/tex]
And [tex] \psi_n(x) [/tex] has eigenvalue [tex] E_n = (n + 1/2)\hbar\omega [/tex].

- Determine N (normalisation constant).
- Show [tex] \psi(x) [/tex] is an eigenstate of 'a' (annihilation operator).

The attempt at a solution

I don't know how to normalise it because [tex] \psi_n(x) \propto (a^+)^n \psi_0(x) [/tex] which makes things unusually complicated.

As for showing the eigenstate do I just operate 'a' on [tex] \psi(x) [/tex], expand, and get it in terms of [tex] \psi(x) [/tex] again?

(By the way how do I preview this post to check my tex? It keeps saying "Reload this page in a moment")
 
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  • #2
no worries.

All done :)
 

Related to Harmonic Oscillator-Normalisation & Annihilation Operator

1. What is a harmonic oscillator?

A harmonic oscillator is a system in which a particle experiences a restoring force that is proportional to its displacement from a fixed point. This results in periodic motion, where the particle oscillates back and forth around the fixed point.

2. What is normalisation in the context of a harmonic oscillator?

Normalisation is the process of scaling a wavefunction or a set of basis states in a quantum system such that the total probability of finding the system in any possible state is equal to 1. In the context of a harmonic oscillator, normalisation ensures that the probability of finding the particle at any point in space is equal to 1.

3. What is an annihilation operator in the context of a harmonic oscillator?

An annihilation operator is a mathematical operator that represents the destruction or annihilation of a quantum particle in a specific state. In the context of a harmonic oscillator, the annihilation operator removes one quantum of energy from the oscillator, causing it to transition to a lower energy state.

4. How is normalisation achieved in the harmonic oscillator system?

Normalisation in the harmonic oscillator system is achieved by applying the normalisation condition to the wavefunction, which states that the integral of the square of the wavefunction over all space must equal 1. This condition can be solved by using the annihilation operator to construct a set of normalised basis states.

5. What is the significance of the harmonic oscillator-normalisation & annihilation operator in quantum mechanics?

The harmonic oscillator-normalisation & annihilation operator is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics that is used to describe the behavior of quantum systems. It allows for the calculation of the energy levels and probabilities of a harmonic oscillator, which can be applied to many other physical systems. It also helps to illustrate the principles of quantization and the probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics.

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