Where Does the Double Hat in the Hamiltonian Raising Operator Come From?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the notation used in quantum mechanics, specifically the double hat notation in the Hamiltonian raising operator. The user inquires about the origin of the double hat, which is not standard and may indicate a specific transformation or operator in the context of the Hamiltonian. The equation presented involves the Hamiltonian operator \( \hat{H} \) and the annihilation operator \( \hat{a} \), with a reference to the commutation relation [H, a] = Ha - aH. The double hat notation is suggested to differentiate between operators and their eigenvalues, although its specific meaning in this context remains unclear.

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  • Understanding of quantum mechanics terminology, specifically operators and eigenvalues.
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  • Knowledge of commutation relations in quantum mechanics.
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Students and researchers in quantum mechanics, particularly those studying operator notation and Hamiltonian dynamics, will benefit from this discussion.

Chronos000
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Homework Statement



I'm given the line: (the coding stopped responding for the "hats")

[tex]\hat{}H[/tex]([tex]\hat{}a[/tex]|n>) = (doublehat a) H(hat) |n> + [Hhat,ahat]|n>

I'm assuming Hhat= hbar *w ( aa* + 1/2)

so I don't know what they are doing. where does the double hat come from. where does any of it come from basically?
 
Last edited:
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The hat just comes to differentiate between a hermitian operator and its eigenvalue.
I am not sure myself what the the doublhat means in your case.

Anyway this equation is from the commutator relation:
[tex][H,a]= Ha - aH[/tex]
 
but this expression includes the commutation [H,a].
 

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