Solving coupled differential equations for spin-1/2 in a B-field

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around solving the time-dependent Schrödinger equation (TDSE) for a spin-1/2 nucleus in a magnetic field characterized by specific time-dependent components. The user has derived coupled differential equations for the coefficients a and b but struggles with separating them to find solutions in the proposed exponential form. A hint suggests substituting the forms of a(t) and b(t) directly into the differential equations to simplify them into algebraic equations. The importance of ensuring the equations hold at all times, not just at a specific moment, is emphasized. Reference to Feynman's lectures is provided as a resource for similar problems.
HBarker
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Homework Statement



(Sorry, I don't know how to use latex)

Solve the TDSE for a spin half nucleus in a B-field where B_z = B0, B_y= B1 cos(ωt) and B_x = B1 sin(ωt).
Use vector and matrix representation. You will get coupled differential equations for a and b, look for solutions of the form a = a_0 ω_a e^(i ω_a t) and b = b_0 ω_b e^(i ω_b t)

Homework Equations



|ψ> = column vector (a,b)

The Attempt at a Solution

I've done all of the problem but have got stuck trying to find the solutions in the form a = a_0 ω_a e^(i ω_a t) and b = b_0 ω_b e^(i ω_b t)

I have (da/dt) = (-i \gamma t /2) (B_0 a + B_1 b e^(-i \omega t) )

(db/dt) = (i \gamma t / 2 ) (B_0 b + B_1 a e^(i \omega t ) )

but don't know how to separate them. My lecturer gave me the hint that the equations have to hold at all times, not just time = t, so I tried using t=0, getting rid of the exponentials, but that didn't help
 
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these eqn can be made algebraic by using just the differential of a(t) and b(t) which you have just written.
 
Can yo ugive me a hint at how to start with that though? I have no idea what to do
 
you can put value of a(t)=a0e(iωat) and similarly for b(t) in the differential eqn. and you can see after that there is only algebraic eqn to solve.you can put t=o after to get those a0 and others.It seems you are doing something wrong so check out your calculation.You can see feynman lectures vol. 3 for similar problems although solved.
 
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