Quadrature Operators & Uncertainty Principle

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between quadrature operators and the uncertainty principle in quantum mechanics. Specifically, the operator of the form aX + bP, where a = cos(θ) and b = sin(θ), does not violate the uncertainty principle, as it represents a linear combination of position (X) and momentum (P) operators. The misconception that being an eigenstate of this operator implies simultaneous eigenstates of X and P is clarified, emphasizing that the new operator A is distinct from both X and P. This distinction is crucial for understanding the implications of the uncertainty principle.

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McLaren Rulez
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Hi,

This may seem like a silly question but if we have an operator of the form [itex]aX+bP[/itex] where a and b are some numbers and X and P are the position and momentum operators, doesn't this violate the uncertainty principle. Isn't it sort of measuring position and momentum simulataneously?

I recently came across quadrature operators where [itex]a=cos\theta[/itex] and [itex]b=sin\theta[/itex]. So how is this consistent with the uncertainty principle?

Thank you.
 
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I don't understand, what has the new operator have to do with the uncertainty principle ? If b≠0 for a≠0 then the operator, call it A, is different than both X and P which enter the uncertainty principle...
 
Sorry, I think I may have had a bit of a misconception there.

I thought that being an eigenstate of a linear combination of X and P meant that the state was an eigenstate of X and P separately as well. Now its obvious that this was wrong. Sorry about that. Thank you for replying dextercioby.
 

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