How Does the Born Series Expansion Translate to Spatial Representation?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the Born series expansion in quantum mechanics, specifically its translation to spatial representation. The equation presented is |\psi> = (1+G_0V+\ldots)|\psi_0>, leading to the spatial representation \psi(\vec{r})=\psi_0(\vec{r}) + \int dV' G_0(\vec{r},\vec{r'}) V(\vec{r'})\psi_0(\vec{r'})+\ldots. The user seeks clarification on deriving the integral term, and the solution involves using the completeness relation and properties of the position-eigenbasis. The final result confirms that V(\vec{x'}) can be factored out as a scalar due to the eigenstate properties.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics, specifically the Born series expansion.
  • Familiarity with the concepts of bra-ket notation and completeness relations.
  • Knowledge of Green's functions, particularly G_0.
  • Basic integration techniques in three-dimensional space.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Born series in quantum scattering theory.
  • Learn about Green's functions and their applications in quantum mechanics.
  • Explore the completeness relation in the context of position-eigenbasis.
  • Investigate the properties of delta functions in quantum mechanics.
USEFUL FOR

Quantum mechanics students, physicists working in scattering theory, and researchers interested in the mathematical foundations of quantum mechanics.

PineApple2
Messages
49
Reaction score
0
Hello. I read about the born series in scattering,
[tex] |\psi> = (1+G_0V+\ldots)|\psi_0> [/tex]
Now when I want to move to spatial representation, the textbook asserts I should get
[tex] \psi(\vec{r})=\psi_0(\vec{r}) + \int dV' G_0(\vec{r},\vec{r'}) V(\vec{r'})\psi_0(\vec{r'})+\ldots[/tex]
by operating with [itex]<\vec{r}|[/itex] from the left. However I don't know how to get the 2nd term (the integral). I tried to insert a complete basis like this:
[tex] <\vec{r}|G_0V|\psi_0> = \int d^3r'<\vec{r}|G_0|\vec{r'}><\vec{r'}|V|\psi_0>[/tex]
however I don't know how to get [itex]V(\vec{r'})[/itex] from the second bracketed term. Any help?

By the way: is there a "nicer" way to write 'bra' and 'ket' in this forum?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Introduce another unit operator in terms of the completeness relation for the position-eigenbasis. Then you use

[tex]\langle \vec{x}' |V(\hat{\vec{x}}\vec{x}'' \rangle = V(\vec{x}'') \langle \vec{x}'| \vec{x}'' \rangle=V(\vec{x}') \delta^{(3)}(\vec{x}'-\vec{x}'').[/tex]

Then one of the integrals from the completeness relations can be used to get rid of the [itex]\delta[/itex] distribution, and you arrive at Born's series in the position representation as given by your textbook.
 
I see. And then [itex]V(\vec{x'})[/itex] can be taken out as [itex]|\vec{x'}>[/itex] are its eigenstates and it is taken out as a scalar.
Thanks!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K