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Homework Statement
Kramers theorem states that if the Hamiltonian of a system is invariant under time reversal, and if [tex]T^2|\psi>=-|\psi>[/tex] where T is the time reversal operator, then the energy levels must be at least doubly degenerate. In fact the degree of degenercay must be even. Show explicitly that threefold degeneracy is not possible.
Homework Equations
The Attempt at a Solution
So I have assumed that there are three eigenstates with the same eigenvalue, let's write them as |A1>,|A2>,|A3> and the eigenvalue is A, so if H is the Hamiltonian then:
H|A1>=A|A1>
H|A2>=A|A2>
H|A3>=A|A3>
A is a real valued number.
Now, HT|A1>=AT|A1>
so T|A1> is one of the three above eigenstates, either A1,A2 or A3.
Now I need to show that either way we get a contradiction.
Now if T|A1>=|A1>, then -|A1>=T^2|A1>=T|A1>=|A1> which is impossible.
Now i am left with two options, either T|A1>=|A2> or T|A1>=|A3>, here is where I am stuck I didn't succeed in showing a contradiction.
Any hints?