Is the energy density normalized differently in the quantum case?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the normalization of energy density in the context of the Wigner-Weisskopf model, specifically regarding the atom-field interaction constant defined as |g_k|^2 = (ω_k / (2ħε₀V))(d² cos² θ). The vacuum field amplitude normalization is referenced from Stanford's AP387 course, stating that ∫ ε₀ E² d³r = ħω/2. A discrepancy arises with classical electrodynamics, where the energy density of the electric field is defined as u_E = (1/2) ε₀ E², while the notes suggest a normalization of 2u_E. This difference is attributed to the use of a complex field representation, leading to a correct formulation of energy density.

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  • Understanding of the Wigner-Weisskopf model in quantum mechanics
  • Familiarity with electromagnetic field theory and energy density concepts
  • Knowledge of complex fields in electrodynamics
  • Proficiency in mathematical integration in three-dimensional space
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Wigner-Weisskopf model in detail, focusing on atom-field interactions
  • Review classical electrodynamics, particularly Jackson's Classical Electrodynamics, 3rd edition
  • Explore the implications of using complex fields in electromagnetic theory
  • Investigate the normalization conventions in quantum field theory
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Physicists, quantum mechanics students, and researchers in electromagnetic theory seeking to understand the nuances of energy density normalization in quantum contexts.

Hypersphere
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Hi all,

This is all in the context of interaction between (two-level) atoms and an electromagnetic field, basically the Wigner-Weisskopf model. In particular, I tried to derive the value of the atom-field interaction constant and show that it satisfied
[tex]|g_\mathbf{k}|^2=\frac{\omega_\mathbf{k}}{2\hbar \epsilon_0 V} \left( d^2 \cos^2 \theta \right)[/tex]
where [itex]d[/itex] is the dipole moment and [itex]\theta[/itex] is the angle between the dipole moment and the polarization vector.

http://www.stanford.edu/~rsasaki/AP387/chap6 claim that the vacuum field amplitude satisfy the normalization
[tex]\int \epsilon_0 E^2 d^3r = \frac{\hbar \omega}{2}[/tex]
which does lead to the above form of [itex]|g|^2[/itex], but from classical electrodynamics (eg. eq. (6.106) in Jackson, 3rd ed.) I'm used to defining the energy density of the electric field as
[tex]u_E=\frac{1}{2} \epsilon_0 E^2[/tex]

Now, the notes seem to use a energy density that is [itex]2u_E[/itex]. Is there a good explanation for this, or does it boil down to one of these conventions? Thanks in advance.
 
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Actually, the author of those notes probably just switched to a complex field
[tex]E_V=\sqrt{\frac{\epsilon_0}{2}}E + i\frac{B}{\sqrt{2\mu_0}}[/tex]
in which case the energy density comes out as
[tex]u=\int |E_V|^2 d^3 r = \int \left( \frac{\epsilon_0}{2}E^2 + \frac{B^2}{2\mu_0} \right) d^3 r[/tex]
as it should.
 

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