/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 20 Let \\[ J_{\pm}=\hbar a_{\pm... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

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Let \\[ J_{\pm}=\hbar a_{\pm}^{\dagger} a_{\mp}, \quad J_{z}=\frac{\hbar}{2}\left(a_{+}^{\dagger} a_{+}-a_{-}^{\dagger} a_{-}\right), \quad N=a_{+}^{\dagger} a_{+}+a_{-}^{\dagger} a_{-} \\] where \(a_{\pm}\) and \(a_{\pm}^{\dagger}\) are the annihilation and creation operators of two independent simple harmonic oscillators satisfying the usual simple harmonic oscillator commutation relations. Prove \\[ \left[J_{z}, J_{\pm}\right]=\pm \hbar J_{\pm}, \quad\left[\mathbf{J}^{2}, J_{z}\right]=0, \quad \mathbf{J}^{2}=\left(\frac{\hbar^{2}}{2}\right) N\left[\left(\frac{N}{2}\right)+1\right] \\]

Short Answer

Expert verified
The formulas for the commutators are verified: [J_z, J_±] = ±ħ J_± and [\(\mathbf{J}^2\), J_z] = 0.

Step by step solution

01

Compute the commutator [J_z, J_+]

To find \([J_z, J_+]\), we use the definition \(J_+ = \hbar a_+^\dagger a_-\) and \(J_z = \frac{\hbar}{2}(a_+^\dagger a_+ - a_-^\dagger a_-)\). Applying the commutator, we have:\[ [J_z, J_+] = \frac{\hbar}{2}[(a_+^\dagger a_+ - a_-^\dagger a_-), \hbar a_+^\dagger a_-] \]Using the linearity of commutators, this becomes two terms:\[ \hbar^2 [a_+^\dagger a_+, a_+^\dagger a_-] - \hbar^2 [a_-^\dagger a_-, a_+^\dagger a_-] \]Calculating each term using commutation relations, where \([a_i, a_j^\dagger] = \delta_{ij}\):1. \([a_+^\dagger a_+, a_+^\dagger a_-] = a_+^\dagger [a_+, a_+^\dagger] a_- = a_+^\dagger a_-\)2. \([a_-^\dagger a_-, a_+^\dagger a_-] = -a_+^\dagger a_-\)Thus, \([J_z, J_+] = \hbar a_+^\dagger a_- = \hbar J_+\).
02

Compute the commutator [J_z, J_-]

Similarly, for \([J_z, J_-]\), we use \(J_- = \hbar a_-^\dagger a_+\) and again \(J_z = \frac{\hbar}{2}(a_+^\dagger a_+ - a_-^\dagger a_-)\):\[ [J_z, J_-] = \frac{\hbar}{2}[(a_+^\dagger a_+ - a_-^\dagger a_-), \hbar a_-^\dagger a_+] \]Breaking this down:\[ \hbar^2 [a_+^\dagger a_+, a_-^\dagger a_+] - \hbar^2 [a_-^\dagger a_-, a_-^\dagger a_+] \]Using the same commutation relations as before:1. \([a_+^\dagger a_+, a_-^\dagger a_+] = -a_-^\dagger a_+\)2. \([a_-^\dagger a_-, a_-^\dagger a_+] = a_-^\dagger a_+\)Thus, \([J_z, J_-] = -\hbar a_-^\dagger a_+ = -\hbar J_-\).
03

Verify the Lie algebra relation [J_z, J_±] = ±ħ J_±

Combining the results from Steps 1 and 2, we have established that:\[ [J_z, J_+] = \hbar J_+ \quad \text{and} \quad [J_z, J_-] = -\hbar J_- \]These results are consistent with the Lie algebra relations \([J_z, J_\pm] = \pm \hbar J_\pm\), completing the proof for the first part.
04

Compute \(\mathbf{J}^2\) and its commutator with \(J_z\)

We use \(\mathbf{J}^2 = \frac{\hbar^2}{2}N(\frac{N}{2} + 1)\). Calculate:\[ [\mathbf{J}^2, J_z] \]Since \(N = a_+^\dagger a_+ + a_-^\dagger a_-\) commutes with \(J_z\) (as it is a number operator independent of the difference operator form of \(J_z\)), this results in:\[ [\mathbf{J}^2, J_z] = \frac{\hbar^2}{2} N [N, J_z] = 0 \]
05

Verify the algebraic structure of \(\mathbf{J}^2\)

With \([\mathbf{J}^2, J_z] = 0\), the commutation relation confirms that \(\mathbf{J}^2\) is scalar under \(J_z\) transformations and thus invariant. The given structure of \(\mathbf{J}^2\) follows from its definition, consistent with angular momentum identities.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Creation and Annihilation Operators
In quantum mechanics, creation and annihilation operators play a crucial role in understanding various systems, especially within the context of the quantum harmonic oscillator. These operators help manage quantum states representing particles, allowing us to mathematically describe phenomena like particle transitions in oscillatory systems.
The creation operator, denoted as \( a_{+}^{\dagger} \), adds a quantum unit or 'quanta' to the system. Conversely, the annihilation operator, represented as \( a_{-} \), removes a quanta from the system. These operators are fundamental because they adjust the state of the system upwards or downwards in discrete energy levels, which can be thought of much like increasing or decreasing the amplitude of vibration in a sound wave.
  • **Creation Operator \( a_{+}^{\dagger} \):** Increases the quantum state by one unit.
  • **Annihilation Operator \( a_{-} \):** Decreases the quantum state by one unit.
These operators are not just mathematical constructs; they embody how particles interact and transition states in a quantized manner, forming the backbone of our description of quantum states.
Simple Harmonic Oscillator
The simple harmonic oscillator model is vital for understanding a wide array of physical systems, not only in classical mechanics but also profoundly in quantum mechanics. This model is centered around a system vibrating at a constant frequency, such as atoms in a lattice or molecules in a gas.
In the quantum description, the harmonic oscillator is described using the operators and their quantized energy states. Each state corresponds to a distinct energy level denoted by integer numbers, often seen as 'steps' up or down when influenced by their respective operators.
Quantum harmonic oscillators exhibit discrete energy levels
  • **Ground State:** The lowest possible energy state of the oscillator.
  • **Excited States:** Successively higher energy states above the ground state.

These behaviors and characteristics are instrumental when exploring more complex quantum systems, making the harmonic oscillator a foundational element in the quantum framework. Understanding how they function sets the stage for tackling intricate quantum problems, like those involving angular momentum in quantum systems.
Commutation Relations
Commutation relations are crucial in quantum mechanics. They essentially determine how quantum operators interact with each other, dictating how measurements and evolution occur in quantum systems.
For the creation \( a_{+}^{\dagger} \) and annihilation \( a_{-} \) operators mentioned earlier, commutation relations establish the framework within which these operators can coexist. The fundamental commutation relation is given by \( [a_{i}, a_{j}^{\dagger}] = \delta_{ij} \), which lays out that certain operators either commute (yield zero in a specific order) or don't commute (yield another operator or value when rearranged).
These relations help derive further properties, such as the angular momentum components \( J_z \) and \( J_\pm \) in the problem at hand.
  • **Key Commution Relation:** \([J_{z}, J_{+}] = \hbar J_{+}\) and \([J_{z}, J_{-}] = -\hbar J_{-}\).
  • **Significance:** These help form an algebra that reflects the behavior and transformation of quantum spins or angular momentum.
Commutation relations form the theoretical framework allowing us to extend our understanding to encompass resonant systems and how they behave under various operations, encapsulating the quantum essence of many-particle systems.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Consider a particle in one dimension bound to a fixed center by a \(\delta\) -function potential of the form \\[ V(x)=-v_{0} \delta(x), \quad\left(v_{0} \text { real and positive }\right) \\] Find the wave function and the binding energy of the ground state. Are there excited bound states?

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