Partition function of harmonic oscillator with additional force

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SUMMARY

The partition function for a harmonic oscillator subjected to an additional force is defined by the equation \( Z = \frac{e^{\beta \frac{F^2 x_{0}^2}{\hbar \omega}}}{1-e^{\beta \hbar \omega}} \). The Hamiltonian is expressed as \( H = \hbar \omega a^{\dagger} a - F x_0 (a + a^{\dagger}) \). To derive this, one must complete the square in the Hamiltonian and change variables to eliminate the offset in \( x \). The average position \( \left \) can be calculated as \( \left = x_0 \left \).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics, specifically harmonic oscillators
  • Familiarity with Hamiltonian mechanics and perturbation theory
  • Knowledge of statistical mechanics and partition functions
  • Proficiency in operator algebra and differential equations
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  • Study the derivation of the partition function for quantum harmonic oscillators
  • Learn about perturbation theory in quantum mechanics
  • Explore the method of completing the square in Hamiltonians
  • Investigate the calculation of expectation values in quantum systems
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Students and researchers in quantum mechanics, particularly those focusing on statistical mechanics and harmonic oscillators, will benefit from this discussion.

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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
 
Last edited:
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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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