The most boring quantum quench (looking for a textbook/paper)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the dynamics of quantum quenches, specifically focusing on the case where the Hamiltonian changes from ##H_0## to ##H_1 = a H_0##, with ##a>1##. Participants are seeking references, such as textbooks or papers, that address this seemingly trivial scenario, which contrasts with the more commonly discussed cases where the Hamiltonians do not commute.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to find a textbook or paper discussing the case where ##H_1 = a H_0##, arguing that it would be beneficial to have this simple example documented.
  • Another participant suggests that the topic may be too trivial for inclusion in a textbook, noting that the eigenstates remain unchanged and only the time evolution is affected by a scaling factor.
  • A different participant acknowledges the simplicity of the case but emphasizes the importance of having a reference due to ongoing debates with colleagues regarding the topic.
  • One participant questions the relevance of the debate, suggesting that it may not warrant inclusion in educational material.
  • Another participant mentions that despite the simplicity, some scientists struggle with the concept, referencing a lengthy debate on the topic available online.
  • One participant argues that a textbook might not resolve the ongoing debate, pointing out that one of the debaters is fixated on the use of a step function, suggesting an alternative approach with a smoother function.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the significance and complexity of the topic. While some see it as trivial, others argue for its importance due to the challenges faced by certain individuals in understanding it. No consensus is reached regarding the necessity of including this example in educational resources.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the discussion is rooted in a specific debate among scientists, which may involve unresolved assumptions or differing interpretations of quantum mechanics principles.

extranjero
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Hi,

usually, when we talk about quantum quench dynamics we assume situation when Hamiltonian of a system has a sudden change from ##H_0## to ##H_1##. System was initially in the ground state (or more generally - eigenstate) of ##H_0##. The interesting dynamics appears when the commutator ##[H_0, H_1]\neq 0##. However, due to the some reasons I am looking for a textbook or a paper where non-interesting case ##H_1 = a H_0## is discussed, where ##a## is a number (##a>1## for example). If you know such a book, please, give me a reference.

Thanks.
 
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I don't know if you'll find this specific topic treated in a book, because it appears to be quite trivial, since ##H_1## and ##H_0## differ only by a choice of energy scale. The eigenstates of ##H_0## and ##H_1## are the same, so nothing happens to the state itself, only the time evolution will be affected, and then only by a trivial scaling factor.
 
I know it, but in the anyway, it will be good to find this quite simple thing literally printed in a book (there is an old debate about this problem with my friend and he ask a proof in a book).
 
extranjero said:
I know it, but in the anyway, it will be good to find this quite simple thing literally printed in a book (there is an old debate about this problem with my friend and he ask a proof in a book).
I don't see much interest in this. Would I write a textbook on QM, I don't think this would even make an interesting exercise.

May I ask what the debate is about?
 
I am asking you to include this example into a future book, because some people (not even a student, but scientist who published in PRB) has a big difficulties with this.

You can see the 2 year debates and arguments on this problem here: https://www.researchgate.net/post/Is_my_solution_of_time-dependent_Schrodinger_equation_right
 
extranjero said:
I am asking you to include this example into a future book, because some people (not even a student, but scientist who published in PRB) has a big difficulties with this.

You can see the 2 year debates and arguments on this problem here: https://www.researchgate.net/post/Is_my_solution_of_time-dependent_Schrodinger_equation_right
I don't think any textbook would help save that debate. One of the "debaters" seems to be stuck on the fact that it is a step function. It is easy to replace with a nicer "turn-on" function that will play essentially the same role.
 

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