What Are the Eigenvalues and Degeneracies of a Coupled Ising Spin System?

[Krischi]

Homework Statement

Consider two Ising spins coupled together
−βH = h(σ1 + σ2) + Kσ1σ2,
where σ1 and σ2 commute and each independently takes on the values ±1.
What are the eigenvalues of this Hamiltonian? What are the degeneracies of the states?

The Attempt at a Solution

Four possible combinations for (σ1,σ2): (1,1), (1,-1), (-1,1) and (-1,-1).
Therefore H=(-h/β)*(σ1 + σ2) + K/β*σ1σ2 can be written in a 2×2 matrix. And the eigenvalues λ are obtained by det(H-Eλ)=0.

it follows: [(-2h/β)-(K/β)-λ)][(-2h/β)-(K/β)-λ)]-(2K/β)=0

and so: λ_1,2=-((2h-K)/β)±sqrt[(2h-K)²/β²)-((2h-K)²/β²-(2K/β)]

and: λ_1,2=-((2h-K)/β)±sqrt[2k/β]

Are these really the eigenvalues of the hamiltonian? I don't gain any physical insight by this solution and therefore I doubt my calculation. I don't know how to go on and clculate the degeneracies of the states.

Thanks in advance!
Krischi

 

[genneth]

You should use a 4x4 matrix for the Hamiltonian --- the system has 4 basis states (which you listed). Find the eigenvalues of that matrix.

 

[Krischi]

Really, a 4\times4 matrix? If there are 4 base states, why can't I use a 2\times2 matrix? 4 states fit into a 2\times2 matrix, right? I tried this and calculated 2 eigenvalues, \lambda, but I am not sure, if the result is correct, since it "looks" to complicated (see my 1st reply)

 

[yaychemistry]

genneth is right, for 4 base states you need a 4x4 matrix.
Consider for a moment a Hamiltonian for a single spin that can be +1 or -1. We need to know how the Hamiltonian operator acts on the particle if its spin is +1 and also how the Hamiltonian acts on the particle if its spin is -1. Thus, we need a basis state for each state of the particle.

In your case you have two particles. So you have two particles with two states each 2*2 = 4 basis states. You need to know how the Hamiltonian acts on each individual configuration of spins and there are 4 possible configurations.

Hope that helps