How to get the energy eigenvalue of the Hamiltonian: H0+λp/m ?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the energy eigenvalue variations of the Hamiltonian expressed as H0 + λp/m. Participants explore the implications of applying the momentum operator p and its square p^2 on a new eigenstate defined as exp(-iλx/hbar)*ψ. It is established that while the application of p retains the original energy eigenvalue, the application of p^2 results in a different energy eigenvalue due to additional momentum terms. This phenomenon exemplifies quantum tunneling, where particles can traverse energy barriers that would typically be insurmountable.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles, particularly Hamiltonians.
  • Familiarity with eigenstates and eigenvalues in quantum systems.
  • Knowledge of momentum operators and their mathematical implications.
  • Concept of quantum tunneling and its significance in particle physics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the momentum operator in quantum mechanics.
  • Learn about the mathematical formulation of quantum tunneling.
  • Investigate the generalized k.p approximation in semiconductor physics.
  • Explore the relationship between linear dispersion relations and energy eigenvalues.
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Quantum physicists, researchers in semiconductor physics, and students studying advanced quantum mechanics concepts will benefit from this discussion.

Jiangwei Du
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TL;DR
We have already know the energy eigenvalue E0 of initial Hamiltonian H0. So when we add the extra item-λp/m, how the energy eigenvalue will vary?
Someone says we can choose the new eigenstate: exp(-iλx/hbar)*ψ,and let the momentum operator p acts upon this new state. At the same time, so does p^2. Something miraculous will happen afterwards. My question is: how to image this point? Thank you very much.
 
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The idea here is that when the momentum operator p is applied to an eigenstate, it will produce a state with the same energy (eigenvalue) as before. However, when the momentum operator squared, p^2, is applied to this same eigenstate, the result will be a state with a different energy. This is because the momentum operator squared contains additional terms corresponding to higher powers of momentum, which require higher energies to produce states with the same eigenvalue. This is an example of what is known as "quantum tunneling", where particles can pass through "barriers" of energy which would normally be too high to be overcome. In this case, the particle is able to "tunnel" through the barrier by utilizing the energy associated with its momentum.
 
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azntoon said:
The idea here is that when the momentum operator p is applied to an eigenstate, it will produce a state with the same energy (eigenvalue) as before. However, when the momentum operator squared, p^2, is applied to this same eigenstate, the result will be a state with a different energy. This is because the momentum operator squared contains additional terms corresponding to higher powers of momentum, which require higher energies to produce states with the same eigenvalue. This is an example of what is known as "quantum tunneling", where particles can pass through "barriers" of energy which would normally be too high to be overcome. In this case, the particle is able to "tunnel" through the barrier by utilizing the energy associated with its momentum.
Sorry, I can't understand your statement. Maybe you have strayed from the point.
 
Jiangwei Du said:
Someone says
Where? Please give a reference.
 
You can try to complete the square.
 
Jiangwei Du said:
TL;DR Summary: We have already know the energy eigenvalue E0 of initial Hamiltonian H0. So when we add the extra item-λp/m, how the energy eigenvalue will vary?

Someone says we can choose the new eigenstate: exp(-iλx/hbar)*ψ,and let the momentum operator p acts upon this new state. At the same time, so does p^2. Something miraculous will happen afterwards. My question is: how to image this point? Thank you very much.
You can establish a linear dispersion relation with a term like ##v \mathbf{\sigma} \cdot \mathbf{p}## and you can add it your p^2 term to get some generalised k.p approximation useful for some semiconductors/semimentals. Is this what is motivating your question?
 
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