Time evolution of spherical harmonics

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the time evolution of a wavefunction expressed in terms of spherical harmonics, specifically focusing on the initial state at t=0 and how it evolves over time under a given Hamiltonian for a rigid rotator.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the application of the time evolution operator to the wavefunction and question the appropriate energy values for the spherical harmonics involved. There is a discussion about the Hamiltonian relevant to the problem and its implications for the energy eigenstates.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided clarifications regarding the Hamiltonian and the corresponding energy calculations, while others are still working through the implications of these details on the time evolution of the wavefunction.

Contextual Notes

The problem is set within the context of quantum mechanics, specifically dealing with the dynamics of a rigid rotator, and assumes familiarity with spherical harmonics and quantum operators.

misterme09
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Homework Statement


At t=0, a given wavefunction is:

[tex]\left\langle\theta,\phi|\psi(0)\right\rangle = \frac{\imath}{\sqrt{2}}(Y_{1,1}+Y_{1,-1})[/tex]

Find [tex]\left\langle\theta,\phi|\psi(t)\right\rangle[/tex].

Homework Equations


[tex]\hat{U}(t)\left|\psi(0)\right\rangle = e^{-\imath\hat{H}t/\hbar}\left|\psi(t)\right\rangle[/tex]

[tex] \hat{H}\left|\ E,l,m\right\rangle = E\left|\ E,l,m\right\rangle[/tex]
[tex] \hat{L^{2}}\left|\ E,l,m\right\rangle = l(l+1)\hbar^{2}\left|\ E,l,m\right\rangle[/tex]
[tex] \hat{L_{z}}\left|\ E,l,m\right\rangle = m\hbar\left|\ E,l,m\right\rangle[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


I know that you can use the above operator to make time evolution of an energy eigenstate, but I can't figure out what energy to use for the two spherical harmonics in the given state at t=0.
 
Last edited:
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It depends on what the hamiltonian is.
 
Oh, okay, I should have realized this.

This is for a rigid rotator with Hamiltonian

[tex]\hat{H}=\hat{L^{2}}/2I[/tex]

So this means that the energies are both:

[tex]E =1(1+1)\hbar^{2}/2I = \hbar^{2}/I[/tex]

And

[tex]\left\langle\theta,\phi|\psi(t)\right\rangle=\frac{i}{\sqrt{2}}e^{-\imath\hbar t/I}(Y_{1,1}+Y_{1,-1})[/tex]
 
Last edited:
Yep.
 

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