How do a and a^\dagger transform under time reversal transformation?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the transformation of the operators \( a \) and \( a^\dagger \) under time reversal transformation in quantum mechanics. It is established that the position operator \( x \) remains unchanged while the momentum operator \( p \) transforms to \( -p \). The operators \( a \) and \( a^\dagger \) are shown to remain invariant under time reversal, as demonstrated through their definitions in terms of \( x \) and \( p \). The transformation confirms that \( a \) and \( a^\dagger \) do not change, affirming their fixed nature under time inversion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles
  • Familiarity with operator algebra in quantum mechanics
  • Knowledge of time reversal symmetry
  • Basic grasp of the position and momentum operators
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of time reversal symmetry in quantum mechanics
  • Explore the role of creation and annihilation operators in quantum field theory
  • Learn about the mathematical formulation of quantum operators
  • Investigate the physical interpretations of position and momentum transformations
USEFUL FOR

Quantum physicists, students of quantum mechanics, and researchers studying time reversal symmetry and operator theory in quantum systems.

wdlang
Messages
306
Reaction score
0
it is know that x goes to x while p goes to -p under time reversal transform

so a=x+ip whill transform to a=x-i(-p)=x+ip=a?

so a^\dagger to a^\dagger?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Indeed. You have

x = (a^dagger + a)/2
p= i(a^dagger - a)/2

which transform to x and -p if a and a^dagger are fixed by time inversion.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
7K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K