Perturbation Theory: Time-Independent, Non-Degenerate Results

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the application of perturbation theory in quantum mechanics, specifically addressing time-independent, non-degenerate results as outlined in the document from Michigan State University. The key equations referenced are (32), (33), and (34), which detail the transformation of potential terms into a summation format. The transition from the expression \(\langle n^{(0)}|V|n^{(1)} \rangle\) to \(-\sum_{m\neq 0}\frac{|V_{nm}|^2}{E_{mn}}\) is clarified through the substitution of second-order coefficients in the perturbation expansion. The discussion emphasizes the hermitian nature of the potential and the significance of the negative sign arising from the interchange of indices in the energy terms.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles, particularly perturbation theory.
  • Familiarity with hermitian operators and their properties.
  • Knowledge of energy eigenvalues and eigenstates in quantum systems.
  • Ability to interpret mathematical expressions and summations in the context of physics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of second-order perturbation theory coefficients in quantum mechanics.
  • Explore the properties of hermitian operators and their implications in quantum mechanics.
  • Investigate the significance of energy eigenvalue differences in perturbation calculations.
  • Review the mathematical techniques for handling summations in quantum mechanical contexts.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, researchers in quantum mechanics, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of perturbation theory and its applications in non-degenerate systems.

PineApple2
Messages
49
Reaction score
0
time-independent, non-degenerate. I am referring to the following text, which I am reading:
http://www.pa.msu.edu/~mmoore/TIPT.pdf
On page 4, it represents the results of the 2nd order terms. In Eqs. (32), (33) and (34) I don't understand the second equality, i.e. basing on which formula he has turned the potential terms into a sum.
For example, in (32) how he got from \langle n^{(0)}|V|n^{(1)} \rangle to -\sum_{m\neq 0}\frac{|V_{nm}|^2}{E_{mn}}
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You substitute in the expression you found for the second order coefficients in the expansion.
The sum is something along the lines of

E_n^2 = \sum_{m \ne n} V_{n,m} c^1_m

and in the first approximation you find that c^1_m = \frac{V_n,m}{E_{m,n}} and you realize that V is hermitian and you multiply them together and get what you have, the negative sign comes from interchanging the m and n in the E_{m,n} = -E_{n,m} term after you hermitian conjugate c^1_m
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K