Unitary and linear operator in quantum mechanics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of transformations in quantum mechanics, specifically focusing on proving that a transformation ##U## is either linear and unitary or antilinear and antiunitary based on the invariance of the scalar product under the transformation.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a proof approach for showing that ##U## is linear and unitary by manipulating the scalar product and using properties of linear combinations.
  • Another participant agrees with the proof approach suggested but offers a simpler method that does not require a basis, indicating that the invariance of the scalar product can be shown directly.
  • A later reply emphasizes the desire to demonstrate the property of linearity specifically, suggesting a focus on that aspect of the transformation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the correctness of the proof approach but express differing preferences for methods of demonstration, indicating multiple views on how best to prove the properties of the transformation.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve whether one method is superior to the other, and it remains unclear if there are additional assumptions or definitions that may affect the proof.

spaghetti3451
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Given a transformation ##U## such that ##|\psi'>=U|\psi>##, the invariance ##<\psi'|\psi'>=<\psi|\psi>## of the scalar product under the transformation ##U## means that ##U## is either linear and unitary, or antilinear and antiunitary.

How do I prove this?

##<\psi'|\psi'>##
##= <U\psi|U\psi>##

For ##U## unitary and linear, we have
##<U\psi|U\psi>##
##<U(\alpha\psi_{a}+\beta\psi_{\beta})|U(\alpha\psi_{a}+\beta\psi_{\beta})>##
##<(\alpha U\psi_{a}+\beta U\psi_{\beta})|(\alpha U\psi_{a}+\beta U\psi_{\beta})>##
##=(<\psi_{a}|(U^{\dagger})\alpha^{*}+<\psi_{b}|(U^{\dagger})\beta^{*})(\alpha U|\psi_{a}>+\beta U|\psi_{\beta}>)##
##=|\alpha|^{2}(<\psi_{a}|(U^{\dagger})(U)|\psi_{a}>+|\beta|^{2}(<\psi_{b}|(U^{\dagger})(U)|\beta>##
##=|\alpha|^{2}+|\beta|^{2}##

Is this how the proof should go for ##U## linear and unitary?
 
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But you don't need to go into a basis: ##\langle U\phi|U\psi\rangle =\langle \phi|U^*U\psi\rangle=\langle \phi|\psi\rangle## is enough.
 
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I wanted to show the property of linearity.
 

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