Question on time-independent perturbation theory

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on time-independent perturbation theory in quantum mechanics, specifically the application of perturbations to the Schrödinger equation. Participants confirm that the ground state wave function and energy can be expressed as power series in the perturbation parameter λ, where λV is significantly smaller than the unperturbed Hamiltonian H0. The question raised involves the validity of applying similar power series expansions to the time-dependent Schrödinger equation, which is addressed by referencing the Dyson series for time-dependent perturbation theory.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of time-independent perturbation theory
  • Familiarity with the Schrödinger equation
  • Knowledge of power series expansions in quantum mechanics
  • Basic concepts of time-dependent perturbation theory
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Dyson series in time-dependent perturbation theory
  • Explore the implications of perturbations on wave functions in quantum mechanics
  • Investigate the differences between time-independent and time-dependent perturbation theories
  • Learn about the mathematical formulation of Hamiltonians in quantum systems
USEFUL FOR

Quantum mechanics students, physicists specializing in quantum theory, and researchers interested in perturbation methods in quantum systems.

ani4physics
Messages
29
Reaction score
0
Hi all. I have been thinking about a very simple question, and I am a little confused. We know from time-independent perturbation theory that if the system is perturbed by the external perturbation λV which is much smaller compared to the unperturbed hamiltonian H0, we can write the ground state wave function and the ground state energy as a power series in the parameter λ. So that makes the time-independent Shcoringer to be:

[H0 + λV] [ψ0 + λψ1 + ...] = [E0 + λE1 + ...] [ ψ0(t) + λψ1 + ...]

where ψ0 and ψ1 are respectively the unperturbed and the first-order perturbed wave functions. Now my question is, can we also write the Time-dependent Schrödinger equation of this system as

(ih/2π) ∂/∂t [ψ0(t) + λψ1(t) + ...] = [H0 + λV] [ ψ0(t) + λψ1(t) + ...]
= [E0 + λE1 + ...] [ ψ0(t) + λψ1(t) + ...]

Thanks guys.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
ani4physics said:
Hi all. I have been thinking about a very simple question, and I am a little confused. We know from time-independent perturbation theory that if the system is perturbed by the external perturbation λV which is much smaller compared to the unperturbed hamiltonian H0, we can write the ground state wave function and the ground state energy as a power series in the parameter λ. So that makes the time-independent Shcoringer to be:

[H0 + λV] [ψ0 + λψ1 + ...] = [E0 + λE1 + ...] [ ψ0(t) + λψ1 + ...]

where ψ0 and ψ1 are respectively the unperturbed and the first-order perturbed wave functions. Now my question is, can we also write the Time-dependent Schrödinger equation of this system as

(ih/2π) ∂/∂t [ψ0(t) + λψ1(t) + ...] = [H0 + λV] [ ψ0(t) + λψ1(t) + ...]
= [E0 + λE1 + ...] [ ψ0(t) + λψ1(t) + ...]

Thanks guys.

Why are you interested in eigenvalues of the time-dependent Schroedinger operator? They are meaningless.
 
Standard time dependent perturbation theory does give the perturbed time-dependent wave function as a power series in lambda--the Dyson series.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 49 ·
2
Replies
49
Views
5K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
947