I don't understand about infinitesimal translation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of infinitesimal translation in the context of quantum mechanics, particularly focusing on the mathematical formulation and implications of certain equations related to translation operators. Participants explore the limits and definitions involved in these translations, as well as their representations in wave functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the reasoning behind taking the limit as N approaches infinity in the context of infinitesimal translation and its relation to specific equations.
  • Another participant explains that displacing a system by Δx can be achieved through N smaller steps, leading to the representation of the translation operator as an exponential in the limit of N going to infinity.
  • A different perspective is offered, suggesting that the translation operator can be expressed in terms of its action on wave functions, leading to a specific form involving the momentum operator.
  • There is a suggestion that the notation used in the representation of the wave function may need clarification or correction, particularly regarding the series expansion of the translation operator.
  • One participant agrees to correct a previous statement regarding the mathematical representation of the translation operator in the context of wave functions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying interpretations of the mathematical formulations and their implications, indicating that multiple competing views remain. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the best approach or representation of the infinitesimal translation.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight potential ambiguities in the notation and definitions used, as well as the need for clarity in the mathematical steps involved in the derivations presented.

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I don't understand about infinitesimal translation
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and
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But

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The infinitesimal translation denoted by equ 1.6.12 and 1.6.32

And then i understand about equation 1.6.35 but equation 1.6.36

Why they take limit N go to inf ? , multiply 1/ N ? and power N ?

So is the relationship below still true?

## F(Δ x'\hat{x}) = 1 - \frac{i p_x \dot{} Δ x'\hat{x} }{\bar{h}} = lim_{N → ∞} (1 - \frac{i p_x Δ x'}{N\bar{h}})^N ## ?
 
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If you want to displace a system by ##\Delta x##, you can do that in ##N## smaller steps of ##\frac{\Delta x}{N}##. Each of these steps is carried out by the operator that translates a state by ##\frac{\Delta x}{N}##. Carrying out one operation after another is represented by operator multiplication. So, in simple notation:
$$T(\Delta x) = T(\frac{\Delta x}{N})^N$$
You can then imagine taking the limit of this as ##N \rightarrow \infty##. And, in this case, looking at the form that ##T(\frac{\Delta x}{N})## takes, the limit is an exponential.
 
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Another, maybe simpler, way is to realize that
$$\mathcal{T}(x+\mathrm{d} x) =\mathcal{T}(\mathrm{d} x) \mathcal{T}(x) $$
and thus (using natural units with ##\hbar=1##)
$$\mathcal{T}(x+\mathrm{d}x)-\mathcal{T}(x) = [\mathcal{T}(\mathrm{d} x)-1]\mathcal{T}(x) =-\mathrm{i}\hat{p} \mathrm{d} x \mathcal{T}(x)$$
or
$$\mathcal{T}'(x)=-\mathrm{i} \hat{p} \mathcal{T}(x) \; \Rightarrow \; \mathcal{T}(x)=\exp(-\mathrm{i} \hat{p} x).$$
It's also realized easily in the position representation of a wave function [EDIT: Corrected in view of #4]:
$$\mathcal{T}(a) \psi(x)=\exp(-\mathrm{i} \hat{p} a) \psi(x) = \exp(-a \mathrm{d}_x) \psi(x) = (1-a \mathrm{d}x + a^2/2 \mathrm{d}_x^j+\cdots) \psi(x) = \sum_{j=0}^{\infty} \frac{1}{j!} (-a)^j \mathrm{d}_x^2 \psi(x)=\psi(x-a).$$
 
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vanhees71 said:
It's also realized easily in the position representation of a wave function:
$$\mathcal{T}(a) \psi(x)=\exp(-\mathrm{i} \hat{p} a) \psi(x) = \exp(-a \mathrm{d}_x) \psi(x) = (1-a \mathrm{d}x + a^2/2 \mathrm{d}_x^2 +\cdots) \psi(x) = \sum_{j=0}^{\infty} \frac{1}{j!} (-a)^j \mathrm{d}_x^2 \psi(x)=\psi(x-a).$$
Shouldn't the last part read as follows?

$$\mathcal{T}(a) \psi(x)=\exp(-a \mathrm{d}_x) \psi(x) = (1-a \mathrm{d}_x + (a^2/2!) \, \mathrm{d}_x^2 +\cdots) \psi(x) = \sum_{j=0}^{\infty} \frac{1}{j!} (-a)^j \mathrm{d}_x^j \psi(x)=\psi(x-a).$$
 
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Sure, I'll correct it.
 
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