Perturbed Hamiltonian Matrix for Quantum Harmonic Oscillator

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the matrix elements of the quantum harmonic oscillator Hamiltonian with a perturbation term of -2cos(πx). The Hamiltonian is expressed as H = H₀ + H', where H₀ is the standard Hamiltonian given by H₀ = (p²/2m) + (1/2)mω²x². The user correctly identifies the diagonal elements of the normal Hamiltonian as E_j = (j + 1/2)ħω. The key step involves calculating the perturbation matrix elements using the expression ⟨i | H' | j⟩ = -2⟨i | cos(πx) | j⟩.

PREREQUISITES
  • Quantum mechanics fundamentals, specifically the quantum harmonic oscillator.
  • Understanding of Hamiltonian operators and perturbation theory.
  • Familiarity with matrix mechanics in quantum physics.
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions in quantum state calculations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study perturbation theory in quantum mechanics, focusing on its application to Hamiltonians.
  • Learn how to compute matrix elements in quantum mechanics, particularly for trigonometric functions.
  • Explore the properties of the quantum harmonic oscillator and its eigenstates.
  • Investigate the implications of perturbations on energy levels in quantum systems.
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in quantum mechanics, particularly those studying perturbation theory and the quantum harmonic oscillator. This discussion is beneficial for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Hamiltonian dynamics and matrix element calculations.

Luke1121
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Homework Statement

How to calculate the matrix elements of the quantum harmonic oscillator Hamiltonian with perturbation to potential of -2cos(\pi x)
The attempt at a solution
H=H_o +H' so H=\frac{p^2}{2m}+\frac{1}{2} m \omega x^2-2cos(\pi x)

I know how to find the matrix of the normal Hamiltonian as H \psi_j =E_j \psi_j then H_{ij}=<i|H|j>=E_j\delta_{ij}=(j+1/2)\hbar \omega \delta_{ij} therefore we get 1/2, 3/2,5/2 etc on the diagonal. However i am not sure how to apply this to this situation. Can I obtain the matrix just from here or do I need to do perturbation theory first?

Thanks
 
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You need to calculate ##\langle i | \hat{H}' | j \rangle = -2 \langle i | \cos(\pi x) | j \rangle##.
 

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