Transition Radiation rates of Hamiltonian

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the transition radiation rates in quantum mechanics, specifically focusing on the commutation relations involving the Hamiltonian and position operators. Participants are addressing multiple parts of a problem that includes showing specific commutation relations, taking expectation values, and understanding the significance of radiative transition rates.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to show the commutation relation [x, [H,x]] and are discussing the implications of taking expectation values in the kth state. There are questions about how to proceed after obtaining certain expressions, with some expressing uncertainty about their relevance to the expected results.

Discussion Status

Some participants have made progress in showing the commutation relation and have shared their attempts at manipulating the expressions. Guidance has been offered to continue by writing out specific terms and inserting identity operators, indicating a collaborative effort to explore the problem further.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on the significance of radiative transition rates, but the exact implications are not fully explored. Participants are navigating through complex quantum mechanical concepts, and there may be assumptions about the familiarity with the underlying physics and mathematics involved.

unscientific
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Homework Statement



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Part (a): Show the Commutation relation [x, [H,x] ]
Part (b): Show the expression by taking expectation value in kth state.
Part (c): Show sum of oscillator strength is 1. What's the significance of radiative transition rates?

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



Part (a)

Manged to show.

Part (b)

\langle H \rangle = \langle k|\frac{p^2}{2m} + V|k\rangle
\frac{1}{2m}\langle k|p^2|k\rangle + \langle k|V|k\rangle

Not sure what to do at this point - it looks nothing like the answer.
 
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Instead of taking the expectation value of equation (2.2), take the expectation value of the commutation relation that you showed in part (a).
 
TSny said:
Instead of taking the expectation value of equation (2.2), take the expectation value of the commutation relation that you showed in part (a).

I tried and that leads to nowhere..

\langle \left[x,[H,x]\right] \rangle
= \langle k|\left[ x, [H,x] \right] |k\rangle
= \langle k | [x,Hx] - [x,xH]|k\rangle
 
Last edited:
unscientific said:
I tried and that leads to nowhere..

= \langle k | [x,Hx] - [x,xH]|k\rangle

Keep going. Write out [x,Hx] and [x,xH]. Then judiciously insert the identity operator in the form ##1 = \sum_n |n\rangle \langle n| ##
 
TSny said:
Keep going. Write out [x,Hx] and [x,xH]. Then judiciously insert the identity operator in the form ##1 = \sum_n |n\rangle \langle n| ##

= \langle k | [x,Hx] - [x,xH]|k\rangle
= \langle k | [x,H]x - x[x,H] |k\rangle
= \langle k | xHx - Hx^2 -x^2H + xHx|k\rangle
 
unscientific said:
= \langle k | [x,Hx] - [x,xH]|k\rangle
= \langle k | [x,H]x - x[x,H] |k\rangle
= \langle k | xHx - Hx^2 -x^2H + xHx|k\rangle

Take ##\langle k | xHx |k\rangle## and insert the identity: ##\langle k | x H \hat{1} x |k\rangle##
 
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TSny said:
Take ##\langle k | xHx |k\rangle## and insert the identity: ##\langle k | x H \hat{1} x |k\rangle##
Yeah got it!
 

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