Probability wave function is still in ground state after imparting momentum

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the effect of imparting momentum \( p_{0} = \hbar k_{0} \) to a ground state Simple Harmonic Oscillator (SHO) wave function, represented as \( \psi_{0} = \left( \frac{mw}{\hbar\pi} \right)^{\frac{1}{4}} e^{-mwx^{2}/2\hbar} \). Participants explore the probability of the system remaining in its ground state after the interaction, utilizing the Fourier transform \( \Psi(x) = \psi_{0} e^{ik_{0}x} \) and calculating the probability \( P \) as \( P = e^{-\frac{k_{0}^{2}\hbar}{4mw}} \). The discussion emphasizes the importance of correctly applying quantum mechanics principles, including integration techniques for solving the probability integral.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics, specifically Simple Harmonic Oscillator (SHO) wave functions.
  • Familiarity with Fourier transforms in quantum mechanics.
  • Knowledge of probability calculations in quantum states.
  • Proficiency in integration techniques, including integration by parts.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and properties of Simple Harmonic Oscillator wave functions.
  • Learn about the application of Fourier transforms in quantum mechanics.
  • Research methods for calculating probabilities in quantum systems.
  • Practice integration techniques, particularly integration by parts, in quantum contexts.
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in quantum mechanics, particularly those studying wave functions and their behavior under momentum changes, as well as anyone interested in advanced integration techniques in physics.

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Homework Statement


An interaction occurs so that an instantaneous force acts on a particle imparting a momentum ## p_{0} = \hbar k_{0}## to the ground state SHO wave function. Find the probability that the system is still in its ground state.

Homework Equations


##\psi _{0} =\left( \frac{mw}{\hbar\pi} \right )^\frac{1}{4} e^{-mwx^{2}/2\hbar} ##

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
##\Psi(x)=\psi_{0}e^{ik_{0}x}##
This wave function gives a <p> =##\hbar k_{0}##
Im confused whether this is the correct Fourier transform to do.
##c(k)=\frac{1}{2\pi}^{0.5}\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}e^{-ikx}\psi_{0}e^{ik_{0}x}dx##
And then solving for when the wavenumber of the ground state using E0=0.5* hbar * w.
Therefore
##c(k)^2 ## = Probability

Is this correct?
 
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You want to know the probability of a particular result of a measurement of energy.
 
Ah right. So would this be the probability of the system still being in the ground state?
##\left | \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} \psi_{0} \psi_{0} e^{ik_{o}x}dx\right |^2=P##
 
Well done - left out a star, but ##\psi_0## is real so...
 
Thank you. Do you by any chance know any way to solve that integral by hand? I solved it on mathematica and it gave me ##P=e^\frac{-{k_{0}}^{2}\hbar}{4mw}## but I have no idea how to solve it by hand. Thanks again.
 
Hint: integrate by parts. (That's normal for quantum.)
You may be able to shortcut using ##\int_\infty \psi_0^2\; dx = 1##
 

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