Parity Transformation of Annihilation Operator

orentago
Messages
27
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Given that, for operators A and B:

\mathrm{e}^{\mathrm{i} \alpha A} B \mathrm{e}^{-\mathrm{i} \alpha A} = \sum_{n=0}^{\infinity} {(\mathrm{i}\alpha)^n \over n!} B_n

where B_0 = B and B_n = [A, B_{n-1}] for n=1,2,...

show that:

P_1 a(\mathbf{k})P_1^{-1}=\mathrm{i}a(\mathbf{k})

and

P_2 a(\mathbf{k})P_2^{-1}=-\mathrm{i}\eta_P a(-\mathbf{k})

Where:

P_1=\exp\left[-\mathrm{i} {\pi \over 2} \sum_{\mathbf{k}} a^\dagger (\mathbf{k}) a(\mathbf{k})\right]

and

P_2=\exp\left[\mathrm{i} {\pi \over 2} \eta_P \sum_{\mathbf{k}} a^\dagger (\mathbf{k}) a(\mathbf{-k})\right]

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution



First start by calculating B_1. From the question it is apparent that for P_1, B_0 = B = a(\mathrm{k}) and \alpha=-{\pi \over 2}, with A=\sum_{\mathbf{k}} a^\dagger (\mathbf{k}) a(\mathbf{k}).

Hence:

B_1=[A,B_0]=\left[\sum_{\mathbf{k}} a^\dagger (\mathbf{k}) a(\mathbf{k}), a(\mathbf{k'}) \right]=\sum_{\mathbf{k}} [a^\dagger (\mathbf{k}) a(\mathbf{k}), a(\mathbf{k'})]
=\sum_{\mathbf{k}} a^\dagger (\mathbf{k}) [a(\mathbf{k}), a(\mathbf{k'})]+\sum_{\mathbf{k}} [a^\dagger (\mathbf{k}), a(\mathbf{k'})] a(\mathbf{k})=\sum_{\mathbf{k}} \delta_{\mathbf{kk'}} a(\mathbf{k})=a(\mathbf{k'})

Since B_0=B_1, it is evident that all B_n=B=a(\mathbf{k})

Hence substituting this and the value for alpha into the summation over n, above, and using the fact that this summation is now simply the expansion of the exponential function, one obtains:

\sum_{n=0}^{\infinity} {(-\mathrm{i} \pi / 2)^n \over n!} a(\mathbf{k}) = \mathrm{e}^{-\mathrm{i} \pi / 2} a(\mathbf{k})= -\mathrm{i} a(\mathbf{k})

I could add a similar derivation for P_2, but it's practically the same so I won't. What I'd like to know is how I've picked up a minus sign in my derivation, and so have not obtained the same answer as the question gives.

Any ideas?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Ah no, problem solved. I evaluated my commutators wrongly (they should be the negative of the Kronecker delta, not the positive).
 
Thread 'Need help understanding this figure on energy levels'
This figure is from "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics" by Griffiths (3rd edition). It is available to download. It is from page 142. I am hoping the usual people on this site will give me a hand understanding what is going on in the figure. After the equation (4.50) it says "It is customary to introduce the principal quantum number, ##n##, which simply orders the allowed energies, starting with 1 for the ground state. (see the figure)" I still don't understand the figure :( Here is...
Thread 'Understanding how to "tack on" the time wiggle factor'
The last problem I posted on QM made it into advanced homework help, that is why I am putting it here. I am sorry for any hassle imposed on the moderators by myself. Part (a) is quite easy. We get $$\sigma_1 = 2\lambda, \mathbf{v}_1 = \begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ 0 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix} \sigma_2 = \lambda, \mathbf{v}_2 = \begin{pmatrix} 1/\sqrt{2} \\ 1/\sqrt{2} \\ 0 \end{pmatrix} \sigma_3 = -\lambda, \mathbf{v}_3 = \begin{pmatrix} 1/\sqrt{2} \\ -1/\sqrt{2} \\ 0 \end{pmatrix} $$ There are two ways...

Similar threads

Back
Top