Principles of Quantum Mechanics
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Rotation and Spin and Position Operators in Relativistic Gravity and Quantum Electrodynamics
Preprints (www.preprints.org) | NOT PEER-REVIEWED | Posted: 4 December 2019 doi:10.20944/preprints201912.0044.v1 Peer-reviewed version available at Universe 2020, 6, 24; doi:10.3390/universe6020024 1 Review 2 Rotation and Spin and Position Operators in 3 Relativistic Gravity and Quantum Electrodynamics 4 R.F. O’Connell 5 Department of Physics and Astronomy, Louisiana State University; Baton Rouge, LA 70803-4001, USA 6 Correspondence: [email protected]; 225-578-6848 7 Abstract: First, we examine how spin is treated in special relativity and the necessity of introducing 8 spin supplementary conditions (SSC) and how they are related to the choice of a center-of-mass of a 9 spinning particle. Next, we discuss quantum electrodynamics and the Foldy-Wouthuysen 10 transformation which we note is a position operator identical to the Pryce-Newton-Wigner position 11 operator. The classical version of the operators are shown to be essential for the treatment of 12 classical relativistic particles in general relativity, of special interest being the case of binary 13 systems (black holes/neutron stars) which emit gravitational radiation. 14 Keywords: rotation; spin; position operators 15 16 I.Introduction 17 Rotation effects in relativistic systems involve many new concepts not needed in 18 non-relativistic classical physics. Some of these are quantum mechanical (where the emphasis is on 19 “spin”). Thus, our emphasis will be on quantum electrodynamics (QED) and both special and 20 general relativity. Also, as in [1] , we often use “spin” in the generic sense of meaning “internal” spin 21 in the case of an elementary particle and “rotation” in the case of an elementary particle. -
A Study of Fractional Schrödinger Equation-Composed Via Jumarie Fractional Derivative
A Study of Fractional Schrödinger Equation-composed via Jumarie fractional derivative Joydip Banerjee1, Uttam Ghosh2a , Susmita Sarkar2b and Shantanu Das3 Uttar Buincha Kajal Hari Primary school, Fulia, Nadia, West Bengal, India email- [email protected] 2Department of Applied Mathematics, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India; 2aemail : [email protected] 2b email : [email protected] 3 Reactor Control Division BARC Mumbai India email : [email protected] Abstract One of the motivations for using fractional calculus in physical systems is due to fact that many times, in the space and time variables we are dealing which exhibit coarse-grained phenomena, meaning that infinitesimal quantities cannot be placed arbitrarily to zero-rather they are non-zero with a minimum length. Especially when we are dealing in microscopic to mesoscopic level of systems. Meaning if we denote x the point in space andt as point in time; then the differentials dx (and dt ) cannot be taken to limit zero, rather it has spread. A way to take this into account is to use infinitesimal quantities as ()Δx α (and ()Δt α ) with 01<α <, which for very-very small Δx (and Δt ); that is trending towards zero, these ‘fractional’ differentials are greater that Δx (and Δt ). That is()Δx α >Δx . This way defining the differentials-or rather fractional differentials makes us to use fractional derivatives in the study of dynamic systems. In fractional calculus the fractional order trigonometric functions play important role. The Mittag-Leffler function which plays important role in the field of fractional calculus; and the fractional order trigonometric functions are defined using this Mittag-Leffler function. -
Chapter 5 ANGULAR MOMENTUM and ROTATIONS
Chapter 5 ANGULAR MOMENTUM AND ROTATIONS In classical mechanics the total angular momentum L~ of an isolated system about any …xed point is conserved. The existence of a conserved vector L~ associated with such a system is itself a consequence of the fact that the associated Hamiltonian (or Lagrangian) is invariant under rotations, i.e., if the coordinates and momenta of the entire system are rotated “rigidly” about some point, the energy of the system is unchanged and, more importantly, is the same function of the dynamical variables as it was before the rotation. Such a circumstance would not apply, e.g., to a system lying in an externally imposed gravitational …eld pointing in some speci…c direction. Thus, the invariance of an isolated system under rotations ultimately arises from the fact that, in the absence of external …elds of this sort, space is isotropic; it behaves the same way in all directions. Not surprisingly, therefore, in quantum mechanics the individual Cartesian com- ponents Li of the total angular momentum operator L~ of an isolated system are also constants of the motion. The di¤erent components of L~ are not, however, compatible quantum observables. Indeed, as we will see the operators representing the components of angular momentum along di¤erent directions do not generally commute with one an- other. Thus, the vector operator L~ is not, strictly speaking, an observable, since it does not have a complete basis of eigenstates (which would have to be simultaneous eigenstates of all of its non-commuting components). This lack of commutivity often seems, at …rst encounter, as somewhat of a nuisance but, in fact, it intimately re‡ects the underlying structure of the three dimensional space in which we are immersed, and has its source in the fact that rotations in three dimensions about di¤erent axes do not commute with one another. -
L the Probability Current Or Flux
Atomic and Molecular Quantum Theory Course Number: C561 L The Probability Current or flux 1. Consider the time-dependent Schr¨odinger Equation and its complex conjugate: 2 ∂ h¯ ∂2 ıh¯ ψ(x, t)= Hψ(x, t)= − 2 + V ψ(x, t) (L.26) ∂t " 2m ∂x # 2 2 ∂ ∗ ∗ h¯ ∂ ∗ −ıh¯ ψ (x, t)= Hψ (x, t)= − 2 + V ψ (x, t) (L.27) ∂t " 2m ∂x # 2. Multiply Eq. (L.26) by ψ∗(x, t), andEq. (L.27) by ψ(x, t): ∂ ψ∗(x, t)ıh¯ ψ(x, t) = ψ∗(x, t)Hψ(x, t) ∂t 2 2 ∗ h¯ ∂ = ψ (x, t) − 2 + V ψ(x, t) (L.28) " 2m ∂x # ∂ −ψ(x, t)ıh¯ ψ∗(x, t) = ψ(x, t)Hψ∗(x, t) ∂t 2 2 h¯ ∂ ∗ = ψ(x, t) − 2 + V ψ (x, t) (L.29) " 2m ∂x # 3. Subtract the two equations to obtain (see that the terms involving V cancels out) 2 2 ∂ ∗ h¯ ∗ ∂ ıh¯ [ψ(x, t)ψ (x, t)] = − ψ (x, t) 2 ψ(x, t) ∂t 2m " ∂x 2 ∂ ∗ − ψ(x, t) 2 ψ (x, t) (L.30) ∂x # or ∂ h¯ ∂ ∂ ∂ ρ(x, t)= − ψ∗(x, t) ψ(x, t) − ψ(x, t) ψ∗(x, t) (L.31) ∂t 2mı ∂x " ∂x ∂x # 4. If we make the variable substitution: h¯ ∂ ∂ J = ψ∗(x, t) ψ(x, t) − ψ(x, t) ψ∗(x, t) 2mı " ∂x ∂x # h¯ ∂ = I ψ∗(x, t) ψ(x, t) (L.32) m " ∂x # (where I [···] represents the imaginary part of the quantity in brackets) we obtain ∂ ∂ ρ(x, t)= − J (L.33) ∂t ∂x or in three-dimensions ∂ ρ(x, t)+ ∇·J =0 (L.34) ∂t Chemistry, Indiana University L-37 c 2003, Srinivasan S. -
Hamilton Equations, Commutator, and Energy Conservation †
quantum reports Article Hamilton Equations, Commutator, and Energy Conservation † Weng Cho Chew 1,* , Aiyin Y. Liu 2 , Carlos Salazar-Lazaro 3 , Dong-Yeop Na 1 and Wei E. I. Sha 4 1 College of Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; [email protected] 2 College of Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61820, USA; [email protected] 3 Physics Department, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61820, USA; [email protected] 4 College of Information Science and Electronic Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected] † Based on the talk presented at the 40th Progress In Electromagnetics Research Symposium (PIERS, Toyama, Japan, 1–4 August 2018). Received: 12 September 2019; Accepted: 3 December 2019; Published: 9 December 2019 Abstract: We show that the classical Hamilton equations of motion can be derived from the energy conservation condition. A similar argument is shown to carry to the quantum formulation of Hamiltonian dynamics. Hence, showing a striking similarity between the quantum formulation and the classical formulation. Furthermore, it is shown that the fundamental commutator can be derived from the Heisenberg equations of motion and the quantum Hamilton equations of motion. Also, that the Heisenberg equations of motion can be derived from the Schrödinger equation for the quantum state, which is the fundamental postulate. These results are shown to have important bearing for deriving the quantum Maxwell’s equations. Keywords: quantum mechanics; commutator relations; Heisenberg picture 1. Introduction In quantum theory, a classical observable, which is modeled by a real scalar variable, is replaced by a quantum operator, which is analogous to an infinite-dimensional matrix operator. -
The Position Operator Revisited Annales De L’I
ANNALES DE L’I. H. P., SECTION A H. BACRY The position operator revisited Annales de l’I. H. P., section A, tome 49, no 2 (1988), p. 245-255 <http://www.numdam.org/item?id=AIHPA_1988__49_2_245_0> © Gauthier-Villars, 1988, tous droits réservés. L’accès aux archives de la revue « Annales de l’I. H. P., section A » implique l’accord avec les conditions générales d’utilisation (http://www.numdam. org/conditions). Toute utilisation commerciale ou impression systématique est constitutive d’une infraction pénale. Toute copie ou impression de ce fichier doit contenir la présente mention de copyright. Article numérisé dans le cadre du programme Numérisation de documents anciens mathématiques http://www.numdam.org/ . -
22.51 Course Notes, Chapter 9: Harmonic Oscillator
9. Harmonic Oscillator 9.1 Harmonic Oscillator 9.1.1 Classical harmonic oscillator and h.o. model 9.1.2 Oscillator Hamiltonian: Position and momentum operators 9.1.3 Position representation 9.1.4 Heisenberg picture 9.1.5 Schr¨odinger picture 9.2 Uncertainty relationships 9.3 Coherent States 9.3.1 Expansion in terms of number states 9.3.2 Non-Orthogonality 9.3.3 Uncertainty relationships 9.3.4 X-representation 9.4 Phonons 9.4.1 Harmonic oscillator model for a crystal 9.4.2 Phonons as normal modes of the lattice vibration 9.4.3 Thermal energy density and Specific Heat 9.1 Harmonic Oscillator We have considered up to this moment only systems with a finite number of energy levels; we are now going to consider a system with an infinite number of energy levels: the quantum harmonic oscillator (h.o.). The quantum h.o. is a model that describes systems with a characteristic energy spectrum, given by a ladder of evenly spaced energy levels. The energy difference between two consecutive levels is ∆E. The number of levels is infinite, but there must exist a minimum energy, since the energy must always be positive. Given this spectrum, we expect the Hamiltonian will have the form 1 n = n + ~ω n , H | i 2 | i where each level in the ladder is identified by a number n. The name of the model is due to the analogy with characteristics of classical h.o., which we will review first. 9.1.1 Classical harmonic oscillator and h.o. -
Relativistic Quantum Mechanics 1
Relativistic Quantum Mechanics 1 The aim of this chapter is to introduce a relativistic formalism which can be used to describe particles and their interactions. The emphasis 1.1 SpecialRelativity 1 is given to those elements of the formalism which can be carried on 1.2 One-particle states 7 to Relativistic Quantum Fields (RQF), which underpins the theoretical 1.3 The Klein–Gordon equation 9 framework of high energy particle physics. We begin with a brief summary of special relativity, concentrating on 1.4 The Diracequation 14 4-vectors and spinors. One-particle states and their Lorentz transforma- 1.5 Gaugesymmetry 30 tions follow, leading to the Klein–Gordon and the Dirac equations for Chaptersummary 36 probability amplitudes; i.e. Relativistic Quantum Mechanics (RQM). Readers who want to get to RQM quickly, without studying its foun- dation in special relativity can skip the first sections and start reading from the section 1.3. Intrinsic problems of RQM are discussed and a region of applicability of RQM is defined. Free particle wave functions are constructed and particle interactions are described using their probability currents. A gauge symmetry is introduced to derive a particle interaction with a classical gauge field. 1.1 Special Relativity Einstein’s special relativity is a necessary and fundamental part of any Albert Einstein 1879 - 1955 formalism of particle physics. We begin with its brief summary. For a full account, refer to specialized books, for example (1) or (2). The- ory oriented students with good mathematical background might want to consult books on groups and their representations, for example (3), followed by introductory books on RQM/RQF, for example (4). -
Assignment 7: Solution
Quantum Mechanics I / Quantum Theory I. 14 December, 2015 Assignment 7: Solution 1. In class, we derived that the ground state of the harmonic oscillator j0 is given in the position space as 1=4 m! 2 −m!x =2~ 0(x) = xj0 = e : π~ (a) This question deals with finding the state in the momentum basis. Let's start off by finding the position operatorx ^ in the momentum basis. Show that @ pjx^j = i pj : ~@p This is analogous to the expression of the momentum in the position basis, @ xjp^j = −i~ @x xj . You will use [Beck Eq. 10.56] expressing the momentum eigenstate in the position basis as well as the definition of the Fourier transform. @ (b) Sincea ^j0 = 0 and the position operator pjx^ = i~ @p , construct a differential equation to find the wavefunction in momentum space pj0 = f0(p). Solve this equation to find f0(p). Plot f0(p) in the momentum space. (c) Verify that your f0(p) = pj0 derived above is the Fourier transform of xj0 = 0(x). Answer (a) Lets find the position operator in momentum space pjx^j = pjx^1^j Z = dx pjx^jx xj Z = dx pjx x xj * x^jx = xjx : Now the normalized wavefunction of the momentum eigenstate in the position representation is 1 xjp = p eipx=~ Eq 10.56 in Beck 2π~ Z 1 −ipx= ) pjx^j = p dxe ~x xj : (1) 2π~ Due Date: December. 14, 2015, 05:00 pm 1 Quantum Mechanics I / Quantum Theory I. 14 December, 2015 Now @ −ix e−ipx=~ = e−ipx=~ @p ~ @ i e−ipx=~ = xe−ipx=~: ~ @p Inserting into Eq (1): i Z @ pjx^j = p ~ dx e−ipx=~ xj 2π~ @p Z @ 1 −ipx= = i~ p dxe ~ xj @p 2π~ @ = i pj ; ~@p where e(p) is the Fourier transform of (x). -
Chapter 3 Mathematical Formalism of Quantum Mechanics
Chapter 3 Mathematical Formalism of Quantum Mechanics 3.1 Hilbert Space To gain a deeper understanding of quantum mechanics, we will need a more solid math- ematical basis for our discussion. This we achieve by studying more thoroughly the structure of the space that underlies our physical objects, which as so often, is a vector space, the Hilbert space . Definition 3.1 A Hilbert space is a finite- or infinite-dimensional, linear vector space with scalar product in C. The Hilbert space provides, so to speak, the playground for our analysis. In analogy to a classical phase space, the elements of the vector space, the vectors, are our possible physical states. But the physical quantities we want to measure, the observables, are now operators acting on the vectors. As mentioned in Definition 3.1, Hilbert spaces can be finite- or infinite-dimensional, as opposed to classical phase spaces (which are always 6n-dimensional, where n is the particle number). We shall therefore investigate those two cases separately. 3.1.1 Finite–Dimensional Hilbert Spaces In finite dimensions the vectors of a Hilbert space, denoted by , and the corresponding scalar products differ from the standard Euklidean case onlyH by the choice of complex quantities C instead of real ones R. It means that for vectors x, y ∈ H x1 y1 . i i x = . , y = . , x , y , C , (3.1) ∈ xn yn 55 56 CHAPTER 3. MATHEMATICAL FORMALISM OF QUANTUM MECHANICS where represents the n-dimensional Hilbert space under consideration, the scalar prod- uct canH be written as 1 y n i . -
Photon Wave Mechanics: a De Broglie - Bohm Approach
PHOTON WAVE MECHANICS: A DE BROGLIE - BOHM APPROACH S. ESPOSITO Dipartimento di Scienze Fisiche, Universit`adi Napoli “Federico II” and Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Sezione di Napoli Mostra d’Oltremare Pad. 20, I-80125 Napoli Italy e-mail: [email protected] Abstract. We compare the de Broglie - Bohm theory for non-relativistic, scalar matter particles with the Majorana-R¨omer theory of electrodynamics, pointing out the impressive common pecu- liarities and the role of the spin in both theories. A novel insight into photon wave mechanics is envisaged. 1. Introduction Modern Quantum Mechanics was born with the observation of Heisenberg [1] that in atomic (and subatomic) systems there are directly observable quantities, such as emission frequencies, intensities and so on, as well as non directly observable quantities such as, for example, the position coordinates of an electron in an atom at a given time instant. The later fruitful developments of the quantum formalism was then devoted to connect observable quantities between them without the use of a model, differently to what happened in the framework of old quantum mechanics where specific geometrical and mechanical models were investigated to deduce the values of the observable quantities from a substantially non observable underlying structure. We now know that quantum phenomena are completely described by a complex- valued state function ψ satisfying the Schr¨odinger equation. The probabilistic in- terpretation of it was first suggested by Born [2] and, in the light of Heisenberg uncertainty principle, is a pillar of quantum mechanics itself. All the known experiments show that the probabilistic interpretation of the wave function is indeed the correct one (see any textbook on quantum mechanics, for 2 S. -
An Approach to Quantum Mechanics
An Approach to Quantum Mechanics Frank Rioux Department of Chemistry St. John=s University | College of St. Benedict The purpose of this tutorial is to introduce the basics of quantum mechanics using Dirac bracket notation while working in one dimension. Dirac notation is a succinct and powerful language for expressing quantum mechanical principles; restricting attention to one-dimensional examples reduces the possibility that mathematical complexity will stand in the way of understanding. A number of texts make extensive use of Dirac notation (1-5). In addition a summary of its main elements is provided at: http://www.users.csbsju.edu/~frioux/dirac/dirac.htm. Wave-particle duality is the essential concept of quantum mechanics. DeBroglie expressed this idea mathematically as λ = h/mv = h/p. On the left is the wave property λ, and on the right the particle property mv, momentum. The most general coordinate space wave function for a free particle with wavelength λ is the complex Euler function shown below. ⎛⎞⎛⎞⎛⎞x xx xiλπ==+exp⎜⎟⎜⎟⎜⎟ 2 cos 2 π i sin 2 π ⎝⎠⎝⎠⎝⎠λ λλ Equation 1 Feynman called this equation “the most remarkable formula in mathematics.” He referred to it as “our jewel.” And indeed it is, because when it is enriched with de Broglie’s relation it serves as the foundation of quantum mechanics. According to de Broglie=s hypothesis, a particle with a well-defined wavelength also has a well-defined momentum. Therefore, we can obtain the momentum wave function (unnormalized) of the particle in coordinate space by substituting the deBroglie relation into equation (1).