Heisenberg's equation of motion

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The equation of motion for an observable A in quantum mechanics is defined as \dot{A} = \frac{1}{i \hbar} [A,H]. When changing representations through a unitary transformation, the equation modifies to \dot{\widetilde{A}} = \frac{1}{i \hbar} [\widetilde{A},U^\dag H U]. This transformation is crucial for deriving the time derivative of the Dirac representation of the position operator in the Foldy-Wouthuysen representation. If the generator of the unitary transformation U is time-dependent, additional terms must be included, as outlined in standard quantum mechanics and quantum field theory texts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles, specifically Heisenberg's equation of motion.
  • Familiarity with unitary transformations in quantum mechanics.
  • Knowledge of the Dirac representation and Foldy-Wouthuysen representation.
  • Basic concepts of quantum field theory (QFT).
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Heisenberg's equation of motion in detail.
  • Explore unitary transformations and their implications in quantum mechanics.
  • Learn about the Dirac representation and its applications in quantum mechanics.
  • Read Messiah's Quantum Mechanics, Volume 2, for advanced insights on these topics.
USEFUL FOR

Quantum mechanics students, physicists specializing in quantum field theory, and researchers working on operator dynamics in quantum systems.

noospace
Messages
69
Reaction score
0
The equation of motion for an observeable A is given by \dot{A} = \frac{1}{i \hbar} [A,H].

If we change representation, via some unitary transformation \widetilde{A} \mapsto U^\dag A U is the corresponding equation of motion now

\dot{\widetilde{A}} = \frac{1}{i \hbar} [\widetilde{A},U^\dag H U]
or
\dot{\widetilde{A}} = \frac{1}{i \hbar} [\widetilde{A},H]?

I'm asking because I want to write the time derivative of the Dirac representation of the position operator in the Foldy-Wouthusyen representation.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
If you know how to derive Heisenberg eq of Motion, then you should have no problem to find the answer.
 
They're the same, the first equation of motion for the operator UAUt gives the second EOM for A.
 
Are you saying that the transformed operator satisfies the first equation but not the second?
 
If the generator of the unitary transform U depends on t -- like going from Schrödinger picture to the Interaction Picture -- then noospace, you have left out a term. Standard stuff, can be found in most QM or QFT texts.
Regards,
Reilly Atkinson
 
noospace said:
I'm asking because I want to write the time derivative of the Dirac representation of the position operator in the Foldy-Wouthusyen representation.

see Messiah QM vol 2.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
1K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K