Quantum versus classical computation of the density of state

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between quantum and classical computations of the density of states for non-interacting particles in a box. It highlights that the quantum expression for the number of microstates approaches the classical phase space volume in the limit of large quantum numbers. The specific formula provided illustrates this convergence, emphasizing the integral over phase space coordinates. The inquiry seeks a generalized proof of this phenomenon beyond the example of a quantum gas in a box.

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  • Understanding of quantum mechanics, specifically the computation of energy spectra.
  • Familiarity with classical mechanics and phase space concepts.
  • Knowledge of the Correspondence Principle in physics.
  • Basic proficiency in mathematical integration in multiple dimensions.
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  • Research the Correspondence Principle in detail, focusing on its applications in various physical systems.
  • Explore proofs of the convergence of quantum and classical mechanics, particularly in statistical mechanics.
  • Study the mathematical foundations of phase space and its role in both quantum and classical contexts.
  • Investigate the implications of large quantum numbers on the behavior of quantum systems.
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Physicists, particularly those specializing in quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics, as well as students seeking to understand the transition from quantum to classical systems.

Jip
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Hi,
If I consider for instance N non interacting particles in a box, I can compute the energy spectrum quantum mechanically, and thus the number of (quantum) microstates corresponding to a total energy between $E_0$ and $E_0 + \delta E$. In the limit of large quantum numbers, the result is well known to coincide with the available volume of the phase space of the corresponding classical system of N Newtonian free particles in a box, namely
$$
\Omega(E_0,V,N; \delta E)_{\textbf{quantum}} \to \frac{1}{h^N} \int_{E_0<E<E_0 +\delta E} d^{3N}x d^{3N}p
$$
in the limit of large quantum numbers.

My question is the following. Is there any proof, besides this specific example of the quantum gas in a box, that the quantum expression is always going to approach the classical one in phase space, for any given physical system (and thus for some generalized coordinates), provided some classical limit is used?

This does not seem a trivial statement to me, and I can't find the proof in textbooks.

Many thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You've probably already read it, but the Wikipedia page on the Correspondence Principle might be a good source of sources for this question.
 

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