Trace and its square of mixed state density operator using integral

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving properties of the mixed state density operator, specifically that the trace of the mixed state density operator, tr(ρmixed) = 1, while the trace of its square, tr(ρmixed2) < 1. The mixed state density operator is defined as ρmixed = (1/2π)∫0dα ρ(ψ). The calculations presented show that tr(ρmixed) correctly evaluates to 1, but the attempt to compute tr(ρmixed2) reveals an error in the interpretation of the square of the trace, indicating a misunderstanding in the application of the trace operation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics and density operators
  • Familiarity with the trace operation in linear algebra
  • Knowledge of integral calculus, particularly definite integrals
  • Experience with quantum state representations, specifically bra-ket notation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of density operators in quantum mechanics
  • Learn about the trace operation and its implications in quantum states
  • Explore the concept of mixed states versus pure states in quantum theory
  • Investigate the mathematical foundations of integral calculus as applied to quantum mechanics
USEFUL FOR

Quantum mechanics students, physicists working with quantum states, and researchers studying the mathematical properties of density operators will benefit from this discussion.

xyver
Messages
6
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


I want to show that
tr\left(\hat{\rho}_{mixed}\right)=1
tr\left(\hat{\rho}_{mixed}^{2}\right)&lt;1
when
<br /> \hat{\rho}_{mixed}=\frac{1}{2\pi}\int_{0}^{2\pi}d \alpha \hat{\rho}(\psi)<br />

Homework Equations


tr\left(\psi\right)= \sum_{n}\langle n|\psi|n\rangle
\hat{\rho}=\sum_{a}\omega_{a}|\psi\rangle\langle \psi|


The Attempt at a Solution


\hat{\rho}_{mixed}=\frac{1}{2\pi}\int_{0}^{2\pi}d\alpha\hat{\rho}(\psi)=\frac{1}{2\pi}\left[\alpha\right]_{0}^{2\pi}\hat{\rho}(\psi)=\frac{1}{2\pi}\left[2\pi-0\right]\hat{\rho}(\psi)=\hat{\rho}(\psi)<br />
tr\left(\hat{\rho}_{mixed}(\psi)\right)= tr\left( \hat{\rho}(\psi)\right)=\sum_{n}\sum_{a}\langle n| \underbrace{\psi_{a}\rangle\langle\psi_{a}}_{=1}|n\rangle=\sum_{n}\langle n|n\rangle=1
tr \left(\hat{\rho}_{mixed}^{2}( \psi)\right)= tr\left( \hat{\rho}^{2}(\psi)\right)= tr\left(\hat{\rho}(\psi) \cdot \hat{\rho}(\psi)\right) = \sum_{n}\sum_{a,b} \langle n| \underbrace{\psi_{a}\rangle \langle\psi_{a}}_{=1}| \underbrace{\psi_{b} \rangle\langle\psi_{b}}_{=1}|n\rangle= \sum_{n}\langle n|n\rangle= 1

That`s not correct, at least not the square of the trace.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Where is my mistake?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
18
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
799
Replies
28
Views
2K