How to compute Hydrogen Inner Products <n,l+1,m+1|n,l-1,m+1>?

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The discussion focuses on computing the inner products of hydrogen atom eigenfunctions, specifically the expression \langle n,l+1,m+1|n,l-1,m+1\rangle. Participants emphasize that distinct eigenfunctions of the hydrogen atom are orthogonal, leading to the conclusion that the inner product will equal zero when the quantum numbers differ. The conversation highlights the need for identities or methods to compute these inner products without resorting to position space representation.

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maverick280857
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Hi,

I want to compute inner products of the form

[tex]\langle n,l+1,m+1|n,l-1|m+1\rangle[/tex]

where [itex]|n,l,m\rangle[/itex] are hydrogen atom eigenfunctions.

Whats the best way to do this, without writing them in the position space representation (i.e. evaluating volume integrals)? Are there any known identities to do this calculation?

Thanks in advance,
Vivek.
 
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check that inner product once more, there is a misprint.

<n,L1,m1|n,L2,m2> = 0.

Distinct eigenfunctions are always orthogonal.
 
Yeah, I forget where :frown:. I had to determine coefficients of a linear combination containing these two kets. And to find them, I started taking inner products. Maybe I made some mistake.

Thanks for your reply, malawi_glenn. I'll post back with the right terms...I think I should sleep more :-|
 

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