Operation of Hamiltonian roots on wave functions

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the operation of Hamiltonian roots on wave functions, specifically the equation a+a- ψn = nψn as presented in Griffith's "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, 2e". The user seeks clarification on this equation after referencing the algebraic method in the first edition, where the Schrödinger equation is factored into [a_+ a_-] + (1/2)ħωψ = Eψ. The discussion confirms that if ψ satisfies the Schrödinger equation with energy E, then a_+ψ satisfies it with energy E + ħω, and a_-ψ satisfies it with energy E - ħω. The normalization coefficient involving i√((n+1)ħω) and -i√(nħω) is also mentioned as an exercise.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles, particularly the Schrödinger equation.
  • Familiarity with ladder operators a_+ and a_- in quantum harmonic oscillators.
  • Knowledge of eigenfunctions and eigenvalues in quantum systems.
  • Basic grasp of normalization in quantum mechanics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of ladder operators in quantum harmonic oscillators.
  • Learn about the normalization of wave functions in quantum mechanics.
  • Explore the implications of energy quantization in quantum systems.
  • Review Griffith's "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, 2e" for deeper insights into the algebraic method.
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those studying quantum mechanics, as well as educators looking to clarify concepts related to Hamiltonian operators and wave function normalization.

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How come a+a- ψn = nψn ? This is eq. 2.65 of Griffith, Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, 2e. I followed the previous operation from the following analysis but I cannot get anywhere with this statement. Kindly help me with it. Thank you for your time.
 
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HI,

I only have 1st ed PDF and there, in the text "Algebraic method" he shows that the Schroedinger eqn

[ ..2 + .. 2] ##\psi = E\psi##​

can be factored into
##[a_+ a_- ] + {1\over 2 } \hbar \omega \psi = E\psi##
Or ##[a_- a_+ ] - {1\over 2 } \hbar \omega \psi = E\psi##.Then he proves that if ##\psi## satisfies the Schroedinger eqn, with energy ##E##, then ##a_+\psi## satisfies the Schroedinger eqn, with energy ##E+\hbar\omega##
and - same way - ##a_-\psi## satisfies the Schroedinger eqn, with energy ##E-\hbar\omega##

(Walking down the ladder there is a ground state (##\ {1\over 2 } \hbar \omega\ ##) and in n steps down you have subtracted n times ##\hbar\omega##.)

The eigenfunction part has now been shown. The normalization coefficient is left as an exercise. That's where the ##i\sqrt{\left (n+1\right) \hbar\omega\,} ## and ##-i\sqrt{n \hbar\omega\,} ## pop up.

 

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