Quantum vaccum one dimensional?

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SUMMARY

The quantum vacuum is defined as a state within an infinite dimensional Hilbert space, specifically as the eigenstate of the Hamiltonian operator with the lowest energy eigenvalue, commonly referred to as the ground state. In systems with one spatial degree of freedom, the wavefunction of the vacuum is represented as Psi_0(x) = , where |O> denotes the ground state. Conversely, in systems with three spatial degrees of freedom, the wavefunction is expressed as Psi_0(x,y,z) = , indicating the dependence on three spatial variables. This discussion clarifies the dimensionality of quantum vacuum states in relation to the Hilbert space framework.

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Hello.
Is a quantum vacuum 1 dimensional?
Thanks.
 
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The quantum vacuum is a state in an infinite dimensional Hilbert space. To be more specific, the vacuum is the eigenstate of the Hamiltonian operator with the lowest energy eigenvalue. A more appropriate name for 'vacuum', often used in nonrelativistic QM is ground state.

If the Hilbert space of the system is spanned by the eigenstates of a single position operator X we say the system under consideration has one spatial degree of freedom. For such a system, the wavefunction corresponding to the vaccuum/ground state |O> is a function of one spatial variable x: Psi_0 (x) = <x|O> . Here |x> denotes eigenstate of the operator X with eigenvalue x.

If the system has 3 spatial degrees of freedom, its Hilbert space is spanned by eigenstates of 3 position operators X, Y, Z that mutually commute. Correspondingly the wavefunction of the ground state, Psi_0(x,y,z) = <x,y,z|O> is a function of 3 spatial variables x, y, z. Here |x,y,z> is the commont eigenstate of operators X, Y, Z of eigenvalues x, y, z.
 
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I'm lost, but I expected to be. I'm very physics illiterate and just starting to learn.
Thanks for the reply.
 

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