Is it true that unitary transform in QM corresponds to canonical transform

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter kakarukeys
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Qm Transform
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion confirms that unitary transformations in quantum mechanics (QM) correspond to canonical transformations in classical mechanics, as expressed by the equation \hat{U}\Psi[O] = \Psi[O']. The state \Psi[O] is a functional of the observable algebra, adhering to positivity and normalization conditions, while O' represents the canonically transformed observable. Reilly Atkinson references Dirac's Quantum Mechanics, specifically section 26, which elaborates on the analogy between unitary and canonical transformations, emphasizing that unitary transformations are more general than their canonical counterparts, highlighting the fundamental differences between QM and classical mechanics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of unitary transformations in quantum mechanics
  • Familiarity with canonical transformations in classical mechanics
  • Knowledge of observable algebra in quantum theory
  • Basic comprehension of Dirac's Quantum Mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of unitary transformations in quantum mechanics
  • Explore canonical transformations in classical mechanics
  • Review Dirac's Quantum Mechanics, particularly section 26
  • Investigate the implications of observable algebra in quantum systems
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, quantum mechanics students, and classical mechanics enthusiasts seeking to understand the relationship between unitary and canonical transformations.

kakarukeys
Messages
187
Reaction score
0
Is it true that unitary transform in QM corresponds to canonical transformation in classical mechanics in this way:

[tex]\hat{U}\Psi[O] = \Psi[O'][/tex]

state [tex]\Psi[O][/tex] is a functional of the observable algebra, satisfying positivity and normalization conditions. [tex]O'[/tex] is the canonically transformed observable.

what does it look like in the case of wave function [tex]\psi(x)[/tex] ?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
See Dirac's Quantum Mechanics, section 26, for a very thorough discussion of this matter. In short, Dirac notes that while unitary and contact/canonical transformations are analogous, unitary xforms are far more general than canonical ones -- QM and classical mechanics are very different.
Regards,
Reilly Atkinson
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
396
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
7K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 59 ·
2
Replies
59
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K