How Does Statistical Mechanics Predict the Expectation Value in Quantum States?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the connection between the expectation value of the operator ##\hat a^\dagger \hat a## and statistical mechanics, specifically for the state represented by the density operator $$\hat \rho = \sum_n \frac{\bar n^n}{(1 + \bar n)^{n+1}} |n\rangle \langle n|$$. The participant successfully computed the expectation value $$\langle \hat n \rangle = Tr(\rho \hat n)$$ and confirmed that the sum converges to the average particle number ##\bar n## using Mathematica. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of evaluating the sum correctly to connect quantum mechanics with statistical mechanics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics, specifically operators and expectation values.
  • Familiarity with statistical mechanics concepts, particularly the average particle number ##\bar n##.
  • Proficiency in using Mathematica for mathematical computations.
  • Knowledge of the trace operation in quantum mechanics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the derivation of the average particle number ##\bar n = \frac{1}{e^{\beta \hbar \omega} -1}## in statistical mechanics.
  • Learn about the properties of density operators in quantum mechanics.
  • Investigate advanced summation techniques for series convergence in quantum statistical mechanics.
  • Study the implications of the operator ##\hat a^\dagger \hat a## in quantum field theory.
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics, particularly those interested in the mathematical foundations of quantum states and their physical interpretations.

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Homework Statement



I am having trouble connecting the expectation value of ##\hat a^\dagger \hat a## to the prediction from statistical mechanics for the state $$\hat \rho = \sum_n \frac{\bar n^n}{(1 + \bar n)^{n+1}} |n\rangle \langle n|$$

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
from statistical mechanics, we have that ##\bar n = \frac{1}{e^{\beta \hbar \omega} -1}## and so I try to compute this by taking ##\langle \hat a^\dagger \hat a \rangle##.

$$\langle\hat n\rangle = Tr(\rho \hat n)$$

$$\langle \hat n \rangle = Tr(\sum_n \frac{\bar n^n}{(1 + \bar n)^{n+1}} |n\rangle \langle n| \hat n)$$

$$\langle \hat n \rangle = \sum_n \frac{\bar n^n}{(1 + \bar n)^{n+1}}\langle n| \hat n |n\rangle$$

$$\langle \hat n \rangle = \sum_n \frac{n \bar n^n}{(1 + \bar n)^{n+1}}$$

I am unsure of where to go from here, or if I am approaching this in the correct manner.

Am I supposed to be able to evaluate this sum?

Edit - So I typed this into mathematica and found that the sum does indeed converge to ##\bar n##. I suppose my question is really, how should I go about evaluating this sum?

Thank you for any help you can give
 
Last edited:
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This thread can be closed, I have solved it.
 

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