Partition function of harmonic oscillator with additional force

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The discussion focuses on deriving the partition function for a harmonic oscillator influenced by an additional force, leading to the expression e^(βF²x₀²/ħω)/(1-e^(βħω)). Participants express challenges in finding the eigenvalues of the modified Hamiltonian and note that perturbation theory cannot be applied due to the unspecified magnitude of the force F. Suggestions include rewriting the Hamiltonian in terms of position and momentum operators and completing the square to simplify the problem. The calculation of the expectation value ⟨x⟩ = x₀⟨a + a†⟩ is also addressed. Overall, the thread emphasizes the complexities of solving the modified harmonic oscillator problem.
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Homework Statement


Show that the partition function for the harmonic oscillator with an additional force H = \hbar \omega a^{\dagger} a - F x_0 (a + a^{\dagger}) is given by \frac{e^{\beta \frac{F^2 x_{0}^2}{\hbar \omega}}}{1-e^{\beta \hbar \omega}} and calculate \left<x\right> = x_0 \left<a + a^{\dagger}\right>.

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution



The partition function is given by \sum_{i} e^{-\beta E_i} but I am struggling to find the eigenvalues of the Hamiltonian. In pertubation theory the additional terms would not contribute, so the partition function would be the same as the normal harmonic oscillator, but since F is not given as particularly small we cannot use pertubation. I rewrote the Hamiltonian in terms of x and p operators, but I could not solve the resulting differential equation.

I would very much appreciate any help
 
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Your Hamiltonian is
$$H = \frac{p^2}{2m} + \frac 12 m\omega^2 x^2 - Fx.$$ Complete the square and then change variables to get rid of the offset in ##x##.
 

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