Quantum Mechanics: Degenerate Perturbation Theory on square well

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on applying degenerate perturbation theory to a three-dimensional square well potential, specifically with a perturbation defined as H' = xyz. The user seeks to find the energy correction for the first excited state, which is triply degenerate. The main challenge arises in constructing the perturbation matrix and solving the non-diagonal elements, particularly the integral of the product of sine functions. The user is exploring alternative methods to find a commuting operator with H' and the unperturbed Hamiltonian.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics, specifically perturbation theory.
  • Familiarity with three-dimensional square well potentials.
  • Knowledge of wave functions and their properties in quantum systems.
  • Proficiency in performing integrals involving trigonometric functions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Griffiths' "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics" for detailed examples of degenerate perturbation theory.
  • Learn about operators that commute with Hamiltonians in quantum mechanics.
  • Practice solving integrals involving products of sine functions, particularly using integration by parts.
  • Explore worked examples of perturbation theory in three-dimensional systems to solidify understanding.
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in quantum mechanics, particularly those focusing on perturbation theory and its applications in three-dimensional systems.

Evil Harry
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Homework Statement


Hi I am trying to apply degenerate perturbation theory to a three dimensional square well v= 0 for x, y,z interval 0 to a, perturbed by H' = xyz (product) from 0 to a, otherwise infinite. I need to find the correction to energy of the first excited state which I know is triply degenerate. I am using Griffith's textbook.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



The problem I am having is in constructing the matrix. the one that looks like
Waa Wab
Wba Wbb

Or H11 H12
H21 H22
as some other textbooks calls it. I know for this problem I need to use a three dimensional matrix the above is just to clarify. Specifically my problem arises when i need to solve the values of the non diagonal elements. say Wab because this leads to an integral that I can't seem to solve the integral of say:
integrate x sin(Ax) sin(Bx) between 0 and a, where A and B are different because the wave functions are different say that n=1 for the argument in A and n=2 for the argument in B. so that the wave functions are \psi 112 and \psi211. Now I am trying to avoid solving the integral having been unsucsesful in numerous attempts and instead use another approach of finding an operator that commutes with H' and H (the unpeturbed system). So my new problem is an operator that I can use. I have never before used this method and there isn't really a worked example in the book. So any help with this integral (see bottom) or in using this method will be much appreciated. How do I know which operator to use and since they have simultaneous eigenfunctions wouldn't the diagonal elements be the same as using non degenerate perturbation theory <ψ | H'|ψ > or am I now using different eigenfunctions than those of the square well?
E=∫_0^a▒〖xsin(xπ/a) sin⁡(2πx/a)dx〗
 
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Your integral is of the form x sin(ax) sin(bx). There are many ways to do this. You could first use sin(ax)sin(bx) = (1/2)cos((a-b)x) - (1/2)cos((a+b)x), then you have to integrate x cos(cx), which can be done by integration by parts.
 
Thanx for the help, I forgot about that identity, haven't used it in a while.
 

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