Proving the adjoint nature of operators using Hermiticity

In summary, the fact that ##\hat x## and ##\hat p## are Hermitian can be used to prove that ##\hat x - \frac{i}{m \omega} \hat p## and ##\hat x + \frac{i}{m \omega} \hat p## are adjoints of each other by showing that they satisfy the property ##\langle A, u \rangle =\langle u, A^* \rangle##. This can be done by proving the rules ##(A+B)^\dagger =A^\dagger+B^\dagger## and ##(cA)^\dagger=c^*A^\dagger## and using the hint provided.
  • #1
spaghetti3451
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How can the fact that ##\hat x## and ##\hat p## are Hermitian be used to prove that ##\hat x - \frac{i}{m \omega} \hat p## and ##\hat x + \frac{i}{m \omega} \hat p## are adjoints of each other?
 
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  • #2
Adjoints have the property that ##\langle A, u \rangle =\langle u, A^* \rangle##. In the simplest case, assume that x and p are purely real. Then you should be able to show that the conjugate matrices satisfy the required properties.
 
  • #3
Prove the rules ##(A+B)^\dagger =A^\dagger+B^\dagger## and ##(cA)^\dagger=c^*A^\dagger##, and then use them.

Hint: ##\langle x,Ay\rangle =\langle A^\dagger x,y\rangle## for all ##x,y## such that ##y## is in the domain of A, and ##x## is in the domain of ##A^\dagger##.
 

What is the definition of Hermiticity?

Hermiticity is a property of operators in quantum mechanics that refers to their ability to be self-adjoint, meaning that the operator is equal to its own adjoint.

How do you prove the adjoint nature of operators using Hermiticity?

To prove the adjoint nature of operators using Hermiticity, you need to show that the operator is equal to its own adjoint. This can be done by taking the complex conjugate of the operator and verifying that it is equal to the original operator.

Why is Hermiticity important in quantum mechanics?

Hermiticity is important in quantum mechanics because it ensures that the operator is a valid observable, meaning that its eigenvalues are real and its eigenvectors form an orthonormal basis. This allows for accurate and meaningful measurements of physical quantities.

What is the difference between Hermitian and anti-Hermitian operators?

Hermitian operators are equal to their own adjoint, while anti-Hermitian operators have an adjoint that is equal to the negative of the original operator. This means that the eigenvalues of Hermitian operators are real, while the eigenvalues of anti-Hermitian operators are purely imaginary.

Are all operators in quantum mechanics Hermitian or anti-Hermitian?

No, not all operators in quantum mechanics are Hermitian or anti-Hermitian. There are also non-Hermitian operators that do not have the property of self-adjointness. However, Hermitian and anti-Hermitian operators are the most commonly used in quantum mechanics due to their important physical properties.

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