Representation of second quantization

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the representation of second quantization in quantum mechanics, specifically focusing on the relationship between particle density operators and density matrices. Participants explore various mathematical formulations and representations, including coordinate and RSQ representations, and the implications of using creation and annihilation operators.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the probability density in coordinate representation and the operator of density of particles in RSQ representation, questioning the relationship between this operator and the density matrix.
  • Another participant seeks clarification on the notation and definitions, specifically questioning the meaning of the operator \(\hat{\psi}^{\dagger}\) and its relation to creation operators.
  • A participant provides matrix elements for creation and annihilation operators, asserting that they do not form a complete set and are not self-adjoint.
  • One participant defines the operators \(\hat{\psi}^{\dagger}(\vec{r})\) and \(\hat{\psi}(\vec{r})\) in terms of creation and annihilation operators, emphasizing the completeness of the basis set used.
  • Another participant suggests a form for the density matrix and discusses the assumption regarding the representation of the delta function in terms of basis functions, expressing uncertainty about its validity for all basis sets.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the definitions and implications of the operators involved, with no consensus reached on the relationship between the density operator and the density matrix or the completeness of the operator sets discussed.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the completeness of the basis sets and the applicability of certain mathematical representations, particularly concerning the delta function and the nature of the operators involved.

Petar Mali
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In coordinate representation in QM probality density is:

[tex]\rho(\vec{r})=\psi^*(\vec{r})\psi(\vec{r})[/tex]


in RSQ representation operator of density of particles is

[tex]\hat{n}(\vec{r})=\hat{\psi}^{\dagger}(\vec{r})\hat{\psi}(\vec{r})[/tex]

Is this some relation between this operator and density matrix?

Operator of number of particles is

[tex]\hat{N}=\int d^3\vec{r}\hat{\psi}^{\dagger}(\vec{r})\hat{\psi}(\vec{r})[/tex]

Why I can now use

[tex]\hat{\psi}^{\dagger}(\vec{r})=\sum_k\hat{a}_k^{\dagger}\varphi^*_k(\vec{r})\qquad \hat{\psi}(\vec{r})=\sum_k\hat{a}_k\varphi_k(\vec{r})[/tex] ?

where [tex]\{\varphi_k\}[/tex] is complete ortonormal set.

Thanks
 
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Petar Mali said:
[tex]\hat{n}(\vec{r})=\hat{\psi}^{\dagger}(\vec{r})\hat{\psi}(\vec{r})[/tex]

Is this some relation between this operator and density matrix?

Which operator? What's [tex]\hat{\psi}^{\dagger}[/tex]? Do you mean [tex]a^\dagger|\psi>[/tex]?

Anyway, the matrix elements for creation/annhilation operators are:
[tex]<m|a^\dagger|n> = \sqrt{n+1}\delta_{m,n+1}[/tex]
[tex]<m|a|n> = \sqrt{n}\delta_{m,n-1}[/tex]

They don't form a complete set; the creation/annihilation operators aren't self-adjoint.
 
alxm said:
Which operator? What's [tex]\hat{\psi}^{\dagger}[/tex]? Do you mean [tex]a^\dagger|\psi>[/tex]?

Anyway, the matrix elements for creation/annhilation operators are:
[tex]<m|a^\dagger|n> = \sqrt{n+1}\delta_{m,n+1}[/tex]
[tex]<m|a|n> = \sqrt{n}\delta_{m,n-1}[/tex]

They don't form a complete set; the creation/annihilation operators aren't self-adjoint.


I defined

[tex] \hat{\psi}^{\dagger}(\vec{r})=\sum_k\hat{a}_k^{\dagger}\varphi^*_k(\vec{r})\qquad \hat{\psi}(\vec{r})=\sum_k\hat{a}_k\varphi_k(\vec{ r})[/tex]

[tex]\hat{a}_k^{\dagger},\hat{a}_k[/tex] are operators you talking about and [tex] \{\varphi_k\}[/tex] form complete set. You did not read my post.
 
I usually think of the density matrix as something like
[tex] \hat\rho(r,r') = \hat\psi^\dagger(r) \hat\psi(r')[/tex]
so your density operator would be the diagonal element.

I think your question about the transform relies on the assumption that you can write
[tex] \delta(r) = \sum_k \phi_k(r)[/tex]
which certainly works for [tex]\phi_k[/tex] as plane waves but I am not sure about other basis sets.

It's late and I'm tired so I apologize if this doesn't make much sense.
 

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