How Does a Perturbation Affect the Ground State Energy of a Harmonic Oscillator?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the energy shift in the ground state of a one-dimensional harmonic oscillator subjected to a perturbation defined as V = bx, where b is a real constant. The energy shift is derived using perturbation theory, specifically the formula Δ_n = λV_nn + λ²∑_{k≠n} |V_{nk}|²/(E^{(0)}_n - E^{(0)}_k). The participant correctly identifies that for the ground state (n=0), V_{00} equals zero, and the only non-zero matrix element is V_{01} = b√(ħ/(2mω)). The final expression for the energy shift is Δ_0 = -b²/(2mω²), confirming the calculations are accurate.

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  • Understanding of quantum mechanics, specifically perturbation theory.
  • Familiarity with harmonic oscillators and their energy levels.
  • Knowledge of matrix mechanics and matrix elements in quantum systems.
  • Proficiency in using the notation and concepts of eigenstates and eigenvalues.
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  • Study perturbation theory in quantum mechanics, focusing on energy shifts.
  • Learn about matrix representations of operators in quantum systems.
  • Explore the implications of perturbations on quantum states and energy levels.
  • Investigate the role of constants like ħ, m, and ω in quantum harmonic oscillators.
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Students and researchers in quantum mechanics, particularly those studying perturbation theory and harmonic oscillators, will benefit from this discussion.

malawi_glenn
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Homework Statement



Sakural modern quantum.. ch 5 problem 1

A simple one dimensional harmonic oscillator is subject to a perturbation:

V = bx, where b is a real constant.

Calculate the energy shift in ground state to lowest non vanishing order.

Homework Equations



You may use:

[tex]\langle k \vert x \vert n \rangle = \sqrt{\dfrac{\hbar}{2m\omega}}\left( \sqrt{n+1}\delta_{k,n+1} + \sqrt{n}\delta_{k,n-1} \right)[/tex]

where |n> is eigentkets to unperturbed harm. osc

Energy shift:

[tex] \Delta _{n} \equiv E_n - E^{(0)}_n = \lambda V_{nn} + \lambda^{2} \sum _{k\neq n} \dfrac{\vert V_{nk}\vert^{2}}{E^{(0)}_n - E^{(0)}_k} + . . .[/tex]

Lamda is order, V_nn is matrix elements.

Energy levels for harm osc

[tex]E_N^{(0)} = \hbar \omega (1/2 + N)[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution




I first do the matrix representation of V = bx

[tex]V_{nk} \doteq b\sqrt{\hbar / (2m \omega)}\left( \begin{array}{ccccc} 0 & 1 & 0 & 0 & 0 \\1 & 0 & \sqrt{2}& 0 & 0 \\0 & \sqrt{2}& 0 & \sqrt{3} &0\\ 0 & 0 & \sqrt{3}&0&0 \end{array}[/tex]

Then I choose n = 0, since ground state.

[tex]\Delta _{0} \equiv E_0 - E^{(0)}_0 = \lambda V_{00} + \lambda^{2} \sum _{k\neq 0} \dfrac{\vert V_{0k}\vert^{2}}{E^{(0)}_0 - E^{(0)}_k} + . . .[/tex]

I notice that [tex]V_{00} = 0[/tex] and [tex]V_{0k}[/tex]is zero for all k except 1; so that:

[tex]V_{01} = b\sqrt{\hbar / (2m \omega)}[/tex]

And

[tex]E^{(0)}_0 - E^{(0)}_1} = \hbar \omega[/tex]

So that
[tex]\Delta _{0} = -b^2 / (2m \omega ^2)[/tex]

I have no answer to this problem, does it look right to you?
Thanx!
 
Last edited:

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