Momentum and wave vector representation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the Fourier transform between momentum and coordinate space, as well as the transition from wave vector representation to coordinate space. Participants explore different formulations and normalization conditions associated with these transformations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the Fourier transform equations for transitioning from momentum to coordinate space and vice versa, suggesting that these forms preserve normalization.
  • Another participant questions the transition from momentum to wave vector representation, providing an equation and relating it to the earlier Fourier transform expressions.
  • A further contribution highlights a potential issue with normalization when using a specific form of the Fourier transform, indicating that the normalization of one function does not guarantee the normalization of the transformed function.
  • There is a challenge regarding the normalization factor in the relationship between the functions in momentum and wave vector representations, specifically questioning the necessity of the factor of \(\sqrt{\hbar}\).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the normalization conditions and the necessity of certain factors in the Fourier transform equations. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of these factors on normalization.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions about the assumptions underlying the normalization conditions and the definitions of the functions involved in the Fourier transforms.

LagrangeEuler
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[tex]p=\hbar k[/tex]
So ##dp=\hbar dk##
How to define Fourier transform from momentum to coordinate space and from wave vector to coordinate space? I'm confused. Is there one way to do it or more equivalent ways?
 
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As far as I know, the only way to do it that preserves normalization is:

$$\psi(x) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2 \pi \hbar}} \int^{+\infty}_{-\infty} {\phi(p) e^{ipx/\hbar} dp} \\ \phi(p) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2 \pi \hbar}} \int^{+\infty}_{-\infty} {\psi(x) e^{-ipx/\hbar} dx}$$

or

$$\psi(x) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2 \pi}} \int^{+\infty}_{-\infty} {A(k) e^{ikx} dk} \\ A(k) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2 \pi}} \int^{+\infty}_{-\infty} {\psi(x) e^{-ikx} dx}$$
 
Thanks for your answer. And when you want to go from momentum to wave vector representation
For example
##\psi(x)=\frac{1}{\sqrt{2\pi}}\int^{\infty}_{-\infty}F(k)e^{ikx}dk##
##p=\hbar k## so ##dp=\hbar dk##
and
##\psi(x)=\frac{1}{\sqrt{2\pi}}\frac{1}{\hbar}\int^{\infty}_{-\infty}F(p)e^{i\frac{p}{\hbar}x}dp##
Right?
 
LagrangeEuler said:
##\psi(x)=\frac{1}{\sqrt{2\pi}}\frac{1}{\hbar}\int^{\infty}_{-\infty}F(p)e^{i\frac{p}{\hbar}x}dp##

You will find that, using this equation, if F(p) is normalized, that is

$$\int^{+\infty}_{-\infty} {F^*F dp} = 1$$

then ##\psi(x)## is not, that is

$$\int^{+\infty}_{-\infty} {\psi^*\psi dx} \ne 1$$

whereas for my version (in the first pair of my previous post), if ##\phi(p)## is normalized, then so is ##\psi(x)##, and vice versa. The extra factor of ##\sqrt{\hbar}## makes the difference. In my version,

$$\phi(p) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{\hbar}} A(k) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{\hbar}} A \left( \frac{p}{\hbar} \right)$$

(Your F(k) is my A(k).)
 
But why? Why is ##\phi(p)=\frac{1}{\sqrt{\hbar}}A(k)##?
 

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