Inequality involving positive definite operator

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving an inequality involving a Hermitian and positive definite operator \( H \). The original poster seeks to extend the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality to this context, questioning how to apply the given conditions effectively.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the idea of using the square root of the operator \( H \) and discuss the necessary conditions for its existence. There is also a consideration of whether the expression \( \langle \cdot | H | \cdot \rangle \) satisfies the properties of an inner product, which could lead to applying the Schwartz inequality.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with some participants providing insights into the properties of inner products and their implications for the problem. There is recognition of the need to clarify assumptions regarding the operator \( H \) and its characteristics.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of the Hermitian and positive definite nature of \( H \) in the context of the inequality being discussed. There is also mention of the potential misunderstanding regarding the definition of inner products.

ismaili
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1.
Given that [tex]|\langle f|g\rangle|^2 \leqslant \langle f|f\rangle\langle g|g\rangle[/tex]
prove that [tex]|\langle f|H|g\rangle|^2 \leqslant \langle f|H|f\rangle \langle g|H|g\rangle[/tex]
where [tex]H[/tex] is a Hermitian and positive definite operator.




3. I tried to identify [tex]H|g\rangle[/tex] as a state and put it into the given inequality, but not so help.

Is there any ideas to prove this inequality? Thanks in advance.
 
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How about trying sqrt(H)?

You will also need to think about the conditions H should meet for its square root to exist.
 
weejee said:
How about trying sqrt(H)?

You will also need to think about the conditions H should meet for its square root to exist.

Thank you so much!
I got it, and in this way, Hermitian and positive definite properties are both used.
Thanks!
 
The problem is kind of silly to begin with. If you can show that

[tex]\langle \cdot | H | \cdot \rangle[/tex]

satisfies the defining properties of an inner product:

1. Positive definite,

2. Linear on second slot,

3. Conjugate-linear on first slot,

then the expression automatically obeys the Schwartz inequality, because the Schwartz inequality is true of inner products in general.
 
Ben Niehoff said:
The problem is kind of silly to begin with. If you can show that

[tex]\langle \cdot | H | \cdot \rangle[/tex]

satisfies the defining properties of an inner product:

1. Positive definite,

2. Linear on second slot,

3. Conjugate-linear on first slot,

then the expression automatically obeys the Schwartz inequality, because the Schwartz inequality is true of inner products in general.


Well, you are right. I keep forget that an inner product doesn't always have to be what we usually consider as 'the inner product'.
 

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