Probability when measuring a local observable

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the calculation of probabilities in quantum mechanics using density operators. The user presents the density operator for pure states as $$\rho = \ket{\Psi^{ab}}\bra{\Psi^{ab}}$$ and attempts to derive the probability expression $$Pr(o_{j}^{(a)}|\Psi_{ab})=Tr_{ab}(\ket{\Psi_{j}^{ab}}\bra{\Psi_{j}^{ab}}(\ket{o_{j}^{(a)}}\bra{o_{j}^{(a)}}\otimes \mathbb{I}_{2}))$$. The user expresses uncertainty about the correctness of their approach and seeks guidance on relating this to the expectation value of an operator. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the role of density operators in quantum probability calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles, specifically density operators.
  • Familiarity with the mathematical representation of quantum states, such as $$\ket{\Psi}$$ and $$\bra{\Psi}$$.
  • Knowledge of the trace operation in linear algebra and its application in quantum mechanics.
  • Concept of expectation values in quantum mechanics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of probabilities from density operators in quantum mechanics.
  • Learn about the trace operation and its significance in quantum state measurements.
  • Explore the concept of expectation values and how they relate to observable quantities.
  • Investigate the differences between pure states and mixed states in quantum mechanics.
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Quantum physicists, students of quantum mechanics, and researchers interested in the mathematical foundations of quantum probability and measurement theory.

Yan Campo
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TL;DR
I need to show that the probability when measuring a local $$O^{a}$$ observable is $$Pr(o_{j}^{(a)})=Tr(\rho_{ab}(\ket{o_{j}^{(a)}}\bra{o_{j}^{(a)}}\otimes \mathbb{I}_{2}))$$
I have information that $$\rho_{ab}=\sum_{j}p_{j}\ket{\Psi_{j}^{ab}}\bra{\Psi_{j}^{ab}}$$ and $$Pr(o_{j}^{(a)}|\Psi_{ab})=Tr_{ab}(\ket{\Psi_{ab}}\bra{\Psi_{ab}}(\ket{o_{j}^{(a)}}\bra{o_{j}^{(a)}}\otimes \mathbb{I}_{2})) \text{.}$$
I started by representing the density operator for pure states, such that $$\rho = \ket{\Psi^{ab}}\bra{\Psi^{ab}}\text{.}$$
Substituting directly into the equation that was given for the probability I arrive at a result $$Pr(o_{j}^{(a)}|\Psi_{ab})=Tr_{ab}(\ket{\Psi_{j}^{ab}}\bra{\Psi_{j}^{ab}}(\ket{o_{j}^{(a)}}\bra{o_{j}^{(a)}}\otimes \mathbb{I}_{2}))\text{.}$$
I believe this is not right, as I have not found a way to make this equal to what was asked.
Any clue what should I do? Any help is welcome.
 
Last edited:
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How about starting from the definition of the expectation value of an operator given a density operator?
 

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