Solve Evolution Operator: <J|U|E>=Exp[-iEt/h]*<J|E>??

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the derivation of the equation =Exp[-iEt/h]*, where U is the evolution operator defined as U=Exp[-iHt/h] and H is the Hamiltonian. Participants clarify that the "*" symbol represents multiplication, not complex conjugation. The conversation also touches on the application of Taylor expansion in quantum mechanics, specifically how functions of operators applied to eigenstates yield results based on their eigenvalues. Additionally, a question about the definition of "two-level systems" in quantum mechanics is raised, highlighting the dependence of the number of levels on the chosen basis.

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  • Understanding of quantum mechanics, specifically Hamiltonians and eigenstates.
  • Familiarity with the evolution operator in quantum mechanics, U=Exp[-iHt/h].
  • Knowledge of Taylor expansion and its application in quantum mechanics.
  • Concept of two-level systems and their representation in quantum mechanics.
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  • Study the derivation of the evolution operator in quantum mechanics.
  • Learn about the implications of Taylor expansion for operators in quantum mechanics.
  • Research the characteristics and applications of two-level systems in quantum mechanics.
  • Explore the role of eigenstates and eigenvalues in quantum mechanics.
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Quantum physicists, students of quantum mechanics, and anyone interested in the mathematical foundations of quantum theory and operator theory.

JK423
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[SOLVED] Evolution Operator

If U=Exp[-iHt/h] is the evolution operator, and H the hamiltonian one,
i can't figure out how to derive the following equation.
Let`s call |E> an eigenstate of H, E it`s eigenvalue and |J> a random basis.
Then:
<J|U|E>=Exp[-iEt/h]*<J|E>.

??
 
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JK423 said:
If U=Exp[-iHt/h] is the evolution operator, and H the hamiltonian one,
i can't figure out how to derive the following equation.
Let`s call |E> an eigenstate of H, E it`s eigenvalue and |J> a random basis.
Then:
<J|U|E>=Exp[-iEt/h]*<J|E>.

??

what is that "*" mean? complex conjugate (cc)?? or just multiplication?

Use

e^{x}=\sum_n x^n/n! and H|E\rangle = E|E\rangle

then you can get that equation. I think that "*" is just a multiplication instead of a cc. :smile:
 
Ohh it`s just a multiplication! Sorry for that.. :rolleyes:
Thanks a lot... I would never have thought of expanding e^{x}!
 
JK423 said:
Ohh it`s just a multiplication! Sorry for that.. :rolleyes:
Thanks a lot... I would never have thought of expanding e^{x}!

It's a very useful trick~try to make good use of it~
 
JK423 said:
Ohh it`s just a multiplication! Sorry for that.. :rolleyes:
Thanks a lot... I would never have thought of expanding e^{x}!

If you have an operator A and an eigenstate of a with eigenvalue "a" (so A|a> = a |a> ) then any function f(A) which can be Taylor expanded will give

f(A) |a> = f(a) |a>

in other words, applying the function of the operator on an eigenstate gives the function of the eigenvalue.
 
nrqed said:
If you have an operator A and an eigenstate of a with eigenvalue "a" (so A|a> = a |a> ) then any function f(A) which can be Taylor expanded will give

f(A) |a> = f(a) |a>

in other words, applying the function of the operator on an eigenstate gives the function of the eigenvalue.

Yeah, i just proved it. Very usefull!
Thanks for ur help!
 
Hello again!
A minor question came up, and i really don't want to make a new thread for it so i post it here.
In quantum mechanics, what`s the definition of the "two-level systems"? I understand that the state vector is in the form |Ψ>=a|1>+b|2>, where |1>,|2> is a basis of the state space.
Then i think of the particle in a box. The energy is quantized (lets say that the possible values are E1 and E2) while position x is continuous. So, in the first case we would have: |Ψ>=a|E1>+b|E2> and in the second one: |Ψ>=Integral(Ψ(x) |x> dx).
So if we use as a basis the eigenstates of the energy, our system would be a "two-level system". However, in {x} representation, we would have an "infinite-level system".

So what`s the definition of a "two-level system" since the number of levels depend on the basis we use?


*EDIT*: If it`s not permitted to ask irrelevant to the "Evolution Operator" questions, pls let me know so that i`ll make a new thread.
 
Last edited:

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