Time dependent perturbation theory (Berry phase)

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the application of time-dependent perturbation theory and the Berry phase in the context of the Schrödinger equation. The initial confusion arises from incorrectly assuming that a zeroth-order solution can be directly extended to first-order without proper justification. The key realization is that the solution must satisfy the Schrödinger equation through appropriate differentiation and algebraic manipulation. Ultimately, the correct approach involves recognizing the relationship between time derivatives and parameter derivatives. The problem was resolved by correctly applying these mathematical principles.
dRic2
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Homework Statement
An Hamiltonian ##H## is characterized by a parameter ##\lambda(t)## which is varied with time. In the adiabatic approximation the solution is given by
$$\ket{\psi(t)} = e^{i\phi}e^{-i\gamma}\ket{n(t)}$$
with ##\phi## the Berry phase and ##\gamma## the dynamical phase.

Carrying the the adiabatic perturbation theory to the next order in ##\lambda##, that is ##\dot \lambda##, assume that the solution is given by:
$$\ket{\psi(t)} = e^{i\phi}e^{-i\gamma}[\ket{n(t)} + \dot \lambda \ket{\delta n}]$$
where ##\ket{\delta n}## is to be determined. We arlerady know that the solution satisfy the Schrodinger equation to the order zero in ##\dot \lambda##. Show that:
$$(E_n - H_{\lambda})\ket{\delta n} = -i \hbar (\partial_{\lambda} + i A_n) \ket{n}$$.
##A_n## is the Berry connection ##\bra{n} i \partial_{\lambda} \ket{n}##.
Relevant Equations
Berry phase $$\phi = \int_{t_0}^{t} d\tau A_n(\tau)$$
Dynamical phase $$\gamma = \int_{t_0}^{t} d\tau E_n(\tau)$$
If I plug the solution into the Schrodinger equation I get
$$(i \hbar \partial_t - H)\ket{\psi} = 0$$
Since I know that the zeroth-order expansion is lambda is already a solution I think this is equal to
$$(i \hbar \partial_t - H)e^{i\phi} e^{-i\gamma}\ket{\delta n} = 0$$
If now I carry on with the differentiation I get the solution, except for the fact that I have ##\delta n## everywhere, while on the right-hand side the should be a ##\ket{n}##. So, either my assumption is wrong (why?), or I am missing something. I've been thinking for 2 days...

(the ##\ddot \lambda## term is dropped)

Thanks,
Ric
 
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Solved it. For anyone interested:

dRic2 said:
Since I know that the zeroth-order expansion is lambda is already a solution I think this is equal to
This is plain wrong and it makes no sense. It would correspond to adding 0 to my previous solution which is true for the zeroth-order, but then it will remain true for the zeroth-order and not for the first order. I was confused by the sentence "We already know that the solution satisfies the Schrodinger equation to the order zero".

The problem is actually a very simple one: just performing all the required derivatives in ##(i\hbar \partial_t -H) \ket{\psi} = 0##, simplifying the expression with simple algebric manipulations, and remembering that ##\frac 1 {\dot \lambda} \partial_t = \partial_\lambda##, one gets the desired result.
 
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