Saturday, October 18, 2014

quantum mechanics - Translation Operator



Let |ψ|ψ=ˆT(δx)|ψ for infinitesimal δx. Show that x=x+δx and px=px.



I am confused. Why would x=x+δx? Shouldn't it equal x? Since, x=ψ|ˆx|ψ=ψ|xˆT(δx)|ψ and using ˆT(δx)=eiˆpxδx/ then ψ|ˆT(δx)ˆT(δx)x|ψ=x.



Answer





I am confused. Why would x=x+δx?



Because you acted with the translation operator on the state. This is by definition what we want the translation operator to do. If it doesn't do this then we are in trouble.



Shouldn't it equal x?



Nope.



Since, x=ψ|ˆx|ψ=ψ|xˆT(δx)|ψ and using ˆT(δx)=eiˆpxδx/ then ψ|ˆT(δx)ˆT(δx)x|ψ=x.




Nope.


TxTTTx


so ψ|xˆT(δx)|ψψ|ˆT(δx)ˆT(δx)x|ψ


You should have: x=ψ|ˆx|ψ=ψ|xˆT(δx)|ψ=ψ|ˆT(δx)xˆT(δx)|ψ


Then you have to commute T and x, and then use the fact that TT=1.


HINT[!!!]: [x,p]=i


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