Quantum physics problem: SE and operators

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on constructing a time-dependent operator \(\hat{A}(t)\) in quantum mechanics, specifically in relation to the Schrödinger equation (SE) and the Hamiltonian operator \(\hat{H}\). The user derives \(\hat{A}(t) = \hat{U}(t)^{+} \hat{A}_{0} \hat{U}(t)\), where \(\hat{U}(t)\) is the unitary operator defined as \(\hat{U}(t) = \exp(-i/\hbar \hat{H} t)\). This formulation establishes the connection between the Schrödinger and Heisenberg pictures of quantum mechanics, confirming the correctness of the approach.

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  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles, particularly the Schrödinger equation.
  • Familiarity with operators in quantum mechanics, specifically Hamiltonian operators.
  • Knowledge of unitary operators and their role in time evolution of quantum states.
  • Basic grasp of the Heisenberg and Schrödinger pictures in quantum mechanics.
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Students and professionals in physics, particularly those specializing in quantum mechanics, as well as educators looking to deepen their understanding of operator dynamics in quantum systems.

max_jammer
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Hello.
I have this problem at hand:

Homework Statement


A quantum mechanical system has a hamilton operator \hat{H} and another, time independent operator \hat{A}_{0}.
Construct a time dependent operator \hat{A}(t) so that:
<ψ(t)|\hat{A}_{0}|ψ(t)> = <ψ(0)|\hat{A}(t)|ψ(0)>
for all states ψ(t) that develop in time according to the SE.


The Attempt at a Solution



In the derivation of the Schrödinger equation, we use the unitary operator \hat{U}(t) to calculate the effect of time on the state ψ(0)...
So
ψ(t) = \hat{U}(t) ψ(0) = exp(-i/\hbar \hat{H} t) ψ(0).

In other words:
<ψ(t)|\hat{A}_{0}|ψ(t)> = <\hat{U}(t) ψ(0)|\hat{A}_{0}|\hat{U}(t) ψ(0)>
=<ψ(0) |\hat{U}(t)^{+} \hat{A}_{0} \hat{U}(t) | ψ(0)>.

so my "solution" is that
\hat{A}(t) = \hat{U}(t)^{+} \hat{A}_{0} \hat{U}(t)...

But this is way too simple to be correct...

So what am I missing?

Thanks

/D
 
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Looks fine to me. I suppose you could write explicitly what ##U(t)^\dagger## is equal to.
 

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