Calculating Length of Closed Orbits: Gutzwiller Formula & Hamiltonian Systems"

In summary, the Gutzwiller formula is a mathematical formula developed by physicist Martin Gutzwiller in the 1960s to calculate the length of closed orbits in a Hamiltonian system. It is derived from the semiclassical approximation, which combines classical and quantum mechanics, and is based on the principle of stationary action. A Hamiltonian system is a mathematical model used to describe the motion of particles under conservative forces, and the length of closed orbits is an important parameter in understanding the dynamics of such systems. However, the Gutzwiller formula has limitations, including its applicability to only systems with a finite number of degrees of freedom, and its inability to account for quantum tunneling and unstable orbits in chaotic systems.
  • #1
zetafunction
391
0
given a Hamiltonian [tex] H=p^2 + V(x) [/tex] how can you calculate the length of the closed orbits ? , i mean in gutzwiller formula you must perform a summation over the length of the closed orbits to calculate density of states g(E) but how can you know what the lenghts are ?? .. of course for Harmonic Oscillator orbits are circles so we can calculate their length but how about for other Hamiltonian systems ?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The Gutzwiller formula is semi-classical. It uses classical periodic orbits.
 
  • #3


The Gutzwiller formula is a powerful tool in calculating the density of states for Hamiltonian systems with closed orbits. However, as you mentioned, it requires knowledge of the lengths of these closed orbits in order to perform the summation.

In order to determine the lengths of closed orbits for a given Hamiltonian system, one approach is to use numerical methods. This involves solving the equations of motion for the system and tracing the trajectory of a particle over a period of time. The length of the closed orbit can then be calculated by integrating the distance traveled by the particle over the period. This process can be repeated for different initial conditions to obtain a range of closed orbit lengths.

Another approach is to use analytical techniques, such as perturbation theory or canonical transformations, to approximate the lengths of closed orbits for a given Hamiltonian system. These methods can provide insight into the general behavior of the orbits and can be used to calculate their lengths in certain cases.

It is important to note that for more complex Hamiltonian systems, the lengths of closed orbits may not have a simple analytical expression and may need to be approximated using numerical methods. Additionally, the Gutzwiller formula may need to be modified for systems with non-circular closed orbits.

In conclusion, the calculation of the lengths of closed orbits for a given Hamiltonian system can be done using a combination of numerical and analytical techniques. These lengths are necessary for the application of the Gutzwiller formula in calculating the density of states.
 

FAQ: Calculating Length of Closed Orbits: Gutzwiller Formula & Hamiltonian Systems"

What is the Gutzwiller formula?

The Gutzwiller formula is a mathematical formula used to calculate the length of closed orbits in a Hamiltonian system. It was developed by physicist Martin Gutzwiller in the 1960s and has since been applied to various physical systems, including celestial mechanics and quantum chaos.

How is the Gutzwiller formula derived?

The Gutzwiller formula is derived from the semiclassical approximation, which combines classical mechanics with quantum mechanics. It is based on the principle of stationary action, which states that the path taken by a particle is the one that minimizes the action integral. By applying this principle to the Hamiltonian of a system, the Gutzwiller formula can be derived.

What is a Hamiltonian system?

A Hamiltonian system is a mathematical model used to describe the motion of a particle or a group of particles under the influence of conservative forces. It is based on Hamilton's equations, which relate the position and momentum of a particle to its energy. Hamiltonian systems are used in various fields, including classical and quantum mechanics, to study the dynamics of physical systems.

What is the significance of calculating the length of closed orbits?

The length of closed orbits is an important parameter in understanding the dynamics of a Hamiltonian system. It provides information about the stability and periodicity of the system, as well as the energy levels of the particles. It is also used to calculate other physical quantities, such as the action and the spectral density, which are essential in studying the behavior of chaotic systems.

Are there any limitations to the Gutzwiller formula?

Yes, the Gutzwiller formula has some limitations. It is only applicable to systems with a finite number of degrees of freedom and cannot be used for systems with continuous spectra. It also assumes that the orbits are stable and do not intersect, which may not always be the case in chaotic systems. Additionally, the Gutzwiller formula does not take into account the effects of quantum tunneling, which can occur in some systems.

Similar threads

Back
Top