Schrodinger Equation in a representation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of the Schrödinger equation in different representations, specifically addressing the conditions under which the time derivative can be interchanged with the integral in the context of quantum mechanics. Participants explore the implications of using different mathematical frameworks, such as rigged Hilbert spaces and Lebesgue integrals, in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states the general evolution of a ket according to the Schrödinger equation without specifying a representation and questions the validity of interchanging the derivative and integral.
  • Another participant agrees that if the function f is time-independent, the interchange holds in the Schrödinger picture.
  • A different participant argues that certain conditions are required for the interchange of derivative and integral, specifically referencing the need for uniform convergence of the improper integral.
  • One participant suggests that a more rigorous approach could involve working within the framework of rigged Hilbert spaces, where derivatives may be interpreted as weak derivatives.
  • Another participant questions whether the interchange of derivative and integral is always allowed for Lebesgue integrals, especially in cases where it may not hold for Riemann integrals.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the conditions necessary for interchanging derivatives and integrals. While some agree on the validity under certain conditions, others emphasize the need for specific mathematical frameworks or convergence criteria, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the concepts of weak derivatives and the properties of Lebesgue integrals, highlighting the complexity of the mathematical arguments involved and the potential limitations of their applicability.

youngurlee
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The general evolution of a ket [itex]|\psi\rangle[/itex] is according to
[itex]-i\hbar\frac{d}{dt}|\psi\rangle=H|\psi\rangle[/itex]
without specifying a representation.

From this equation, how can you simply get a equation in a certain representation [itex]F[/itex] as below:
[itex]-i\hbar\frac{\partial}{\partial t}\langle f|\psi\rangle=\langle f|H|\psi\rangle[/itex] ?

doesn't it need the validity of
[tex]\langle f|\frac{d}{dt}|\psi\rangle=\frac{∂}{∂t}\langle f|\psi\rangle[/tex]
?

does this always hold for any ket and bra in a Hilbert space and its dual space?
 
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As long as f is time independent, yes. This is true in the Schroedinger picture for example, where f can be x or p_x and as operators these are time independent.
 
thank you for your reply, but I really think some condition is required.

for example, look upon [itex]\langle f|[/itex] (independent of [itex]t[/itex]) as a eigenbra of [itex]F[/itex] whose eigenbras are continuous in [itex]f[/itex]. and [itex]\langle f|[/itex] acts on [itex]|\psi\rangle[/itex] as an linear functional.
that is:
[itex]\langle f|\psi\rangle=\psi (f,t)=\int^{+\infty}_{-\infty}\phi^*(x,f)\psi (x,t)dx[/itex]

so, [itex]\langle f|\frac{d}{dt}|\psi\rangle=\frac{∂}{∂t}\langle f|\psi\rangle[/itex] in this case means:

[itex]\int^{+\infty}_{-\infty}\phi^*(x,f)\frac{\partial}{\partial t}\psi (x,t)dx=\frac{\partial}{\partial t}\int^{+\infty}_{-\infty}\phi^*(x,f)\psi (x,t)dx[/itex]

I mean, doesn't this equation (exchange of derivative and improper integral) require some condition, such as the uniform convergence of the improper integral[itex]\int^{+\infty}_{-\infty}[/itex]?
 
youngurlee said:
[...] but I really think some condition is required. [...]
One way to deal with this more rigorously is to work in the context of so-called "rigged Hilbert space" (Gel'fand triples) -- if you're not familiar with these terms, think "generalized functions" or "distributions". Derivatives are then typically interpreted as some kind of "weak derivative".
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weak_derivative
 
youngurlee said:
[itex]\int^{+\infty}_{-\infty}\phi^*(x,f)\frac{\partial}{\partial t}\psi (x,t)dx=\frac{\partial}{\partial t}\int^{+\infty}_{-\infty}\phi^*(x,f)\psi (x,t)dx[/itex]

I mean, doesn't this equation (exchange of derivative and improper integral) require some condition, such as the uniform convergence of the improper integral[itex]\int^{+\infty}_{-\infty}[/itex]?
The integral here is a Lebesgue integral, not a Riemann integral, so I think interchange of derivative and integral is allowed.
 
lugita15, I know little about Lebesgue integral.
Be it a Lebesgue integral, interchange of derivative and integral is always allowed ?
I read somewhere that Lebesgue integral is a generalization of Riemann integral, then if the interchange in Riemann integral does not hold for a certain integral, will it hold in Lebesgue integral ?
 
thank you.
 

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