How do I get a complex conjugation of one of the deltas?

  • Thread starter Thread starter aaaa202
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Complex
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding complex conjugation of eigenvectors derived from a matrix A, specifically addressing the eigenvalues λ± = ±√(ξk² - lΔ²). The participants clarify that the eigenvectors e± = (Δ, ξk ± √(ξk² - lΔ²)) are not orthogonal due to an algebraic mistake. The correct eigenvalues should be expressed as λ± = ±√(ξk² + |Δ|²), leading to orthogonal eigenvectors. The complex conjugation arises from the inner product of complex vectors.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of eigenvalues and eigenvectors
  • Familiarity with complex numbers and inner products
  • Knowledge of matrix algebra
  • Experience with linear algebra concepts
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of eigenvalues and eigenvectors in linear algebra
  • Learn about complex inner products and their implications in vector spaces
  • Explore the differences between positive and negative indices in eigenvalue problems
  • Review matrix diagonalization techniques and their applications
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, physicists, and students studying linear algebra, particularly those working with complex matrices and eigenvalue problems.

aaaa202
Messages
1,144
Reaction score
2
For the attached matrix A I can find the eigenvalues:

λ[itex]\pm[/itex] = [itex]\pm[/itex]√([itex]\xi[/itex]k2-lΔl2)
But when I try to solve for the eigenvectors I get it wrong:
I solve:
(A-λ[itex]\pm[/itex])(x,y) = (0,0)
gives the eigenvectors:

e[itex]\pm[/itex]=(Δ,[itex]\xi[/itex]k[itex]\pm[/itex]√([itex]\xi[/itex]k2-lΔl2))
But these eigenvectors are not orthogonal. How do I get a complex conjugation of one of the deltas?
 

Attachments

  • Matrix.png
    Matrix.png
    1 KB · Views: 469
Physics news on Phys.org
Hello Manya,

Forgive me for asking, but why does the distinction between ##\xi_k## and ##\xi_{-k}## disappear when you state the eigenvalues ?
 
aaaa202 said:
For the attached matrix A I can find the eigenvalues:

λ[itex]\pm[/itex] = [itex]\pm[/itex]√([itex]\xi[/itex]k2-lΔl2)
But when I try to solve for the eigenvectors I get it wrong:
I solve:
(A-λ[itex]\pm[/itex])(x,y) = (0,0)
gives the eigenvectors:

e[itex]\pm[/itex]=(Δ,[itex]\xi[/itex]k[itex]\pm[/itex]√([itex]\xi[/itex]k2-lΔl2))
But these eigenvectors are not orthogonal. How do I get a complex conjugation of one of the deltas?

If you ignore the distinction between k and -k that BvU points out, then you should get that the eigenvalues are ##\pm \sqrt{\xi_k^2+|\Delta|^2}## which in turn gives the eigenvectors ##\left( \Delta, \xi_k \pm \sqrt{\xi_k^2 + |\Delta^2|} \right)##. So you are making some algebra mistake as well. Show your work. Those ARE orthogonal. The complex conjugation comes from the inner product. The inner product of two complex vectors is one dotted with the conjugate of the other. Now try it paying attention to the difference between +k and -k.
 

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K