[Q]Analytic function of operator A

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of an operator \( A \) to a function \( f(\varphi) \) and the implications of analytic functions of operators in the context of a problem from liboff. Participants explore the use of Taylor expansion and Dirac notation to understand the behavior of the operator when applied to powers of a variable.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant attempts to solve the problem using Taylor expansion but struggles with terms like \( A\varphi^2 \) and \( A^2\varphi \).
  • Another participant suggests showing that \( A^n f = a^n f \) by repeated application of the operator, arguing that expanding \( f \) is unnecessary.
  • Concerns are raised about the meaning of \( A\varphi^n \) when applied to the expansion of \( f(\varphi) \) and \( g(A) \).
  • There is a discussion about the implications of applying the operator to the square of a wavefunction in Dirac notation, with some participants expressing uncertainty about the validity of the approach.
  • One participant explicitly states that their interpretation of applying the operator to \( \|\phi\|^2 \) feels incorrect.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the appropriateness of expanding \( f \) and the implications of applying the operator to powers of \( \varphi \). There is no consensus on the correct approach or interpretation of the operator's action on the function.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the complexity of dealing with operator applications in the context of powers of variables, indicating potential limitations in their understanding of the operator's behavior in these scenarios.

good_phy
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Hi, 5.27 problem in liboff says that if [itex]g(A)f(\varphi) = g(a)f(\varphi),where A\varphi = a\varphi[/itex]

I tried to solve this problem with tylar expansion.

[itex]f(\varphi) = f(0) + f^{'}(0)\varphi + \frac{f^{''}(0)}{2!}\varphi^2 + \frac{f^{(3)}(0)}{3!}\varphi^3 + ...[/itex]

[itex]g(A) = g(0) + g^{'}(0)A + \frac{g^{''}(0)}{2!}A^2 + \frac{g^{(3)}(0)}{3!}A^3 + ...[/itex]

But when i applied g(A) to f([itex]\varphi[/itex]) i can not get right hand side of equality

written above because i don't know how can i deal with unseen term such as

[itex]A\varphi^2[/itex]or [itex]A^2\varphi[/itex] or etc

please assist to me.
 
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Don't expand f.
Show that A^n f=a^n f, which is easy to show by repeated use of Af=af.
 
Ya I now your way, but How can i deal with [itex]A\varphi^n[/itex] showed in product

of [itex]f(\varphi)[/itex] expansion and g(A) expansion
 
As you show, expanding f is useless, because you don't know [tex]A\phi^2[/tex].
 
I think in this way, in Dirac notation

[tex] A(\|phi>)^2=(A\|phi>)|phi>=(a\|phi>)|phi>=a|phi>^2<br /> [/tex]
Similarly,
[tex] <br /> A^2\|phi>=A(A\|phi>)=A(a\|phi>)=a(A|phi>)=a^2|phi>[/tex]

The second equation is straightforward.
The first equation sounds a bit weird to me. I feel like I maybe wrong.
 
Just checking -- what do you think [itex]f''(0)[/itex] and [itex]\varphi^2[/itex] mean?
 
Like Hurkyl pointed out,

one single operator acts on [tex]\psi^2[/tex] , acts on two wavefunction, sounds weird.I don't know how to explain it.
 
cks said:
I think in this way, in Dirac notation

[tex] A(\|phi>)^2=(A\|phi>)|phi>=(a\|phi>)|phi>=a|phi>^2<br /> [/tex]
Similarly,
[tex] <br /> A^2\|phi>=A(A\|phi>)=A(a\|phi>)=a(A|phi>)=a^2|phi>[/tex]

The second equation is straightforward.
The first equation sounds a bit weird to me. I feel like I maybe wrong.

It is wrong.
 

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