Eigenvalues for X’s Pauli's matrix

In summary, when finding eigenvectors for the X coordinate Pauli's matrix, it is important to consider the complex components as orthogonal when performing the dot product. Linearly independent eigenvectors, such as [1, 1] and [1, -1], are necessary to accurately represent the matrix. Additionally, it is crucial to remember the phase factor when passing the operator.
  • #1
USeptim
98
5
Let it be the X coordinate Pauli's matrix:
\begin{array}{ccc}
0 & 1 \\
1 & 0 \end{array}

According to my calculations, it's eigenvectors would require that the spinor components to take the same value, but then, in order to have two orthogonal eigenvectors, we would need the complex components to be orthogonal when doing the dot product.

I choose the eigenvectors ψ_1 =[1, 1] and ψ_2 = [i, i]. Then the dot product must be

ψ_1 · ψ_2 = 1 · i + 1 · i = 0.

That means that orthogonal phases inside the same spinor component must be treated as orthogonal components. Is that true?
 
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  • #2
No. Your ψ_2 is proportional your ψ_1; they are not linearly independent. Their dot product of is 2i, not zero. Try [1, 1] and [1, -1] as a complete set of orthogonal eigenvectors.
 
  • #3
Thanks The_duck.

With [1, -1] after I pass the Sx operator I'll get [-1, 1], it's the same vector with a diferent phase so it's a valid eigenvector.

My mistake was that I forgot the phase factor after the operator. For the [1,1] vector the phase is 0 and for the [-1, 1] it's ∏.
 

FAQ: Eigenvalues for X’s Pauli's matrix

What is the purpose of using Eigenvalues for X’s Pauli's matrix?

The purpose of using Eigenvalues for X’s Pauli's matrix is to find the eigenvalues of the matrix, which are the values that satisfy the equation Ax = λx, where A is the matrix, x is the eigenvector, and λ is the eigenvalue. This helps in understanding the properties and behavior of the matrix.

How do you calculate the Eigenvalues for X’s Pauli's matrix?

The Eigenvalues for X’s Pauli's matrix can be calculated by first finding the determinant of the matrix, then solving for the values of λ that make the determinant equal to 0. This can be done using various methods such as Gaussian elimination or the characteristic polynomial method.

What are the possible values of Eigenvalues for X’s Pauli's matrix?

The possible values of Eigenvalues for X’s Pauli's matrix are dependent on the dimensions of the matrix. For a 2x2 matrix, there are two possible values: 1 and -1. For a 3x3 matrix, there are three possible values: 1, -1, and 0. For higher dimensions, the number of possible values increases accordingly.

How do Eigenvalues for X’s Pauli's matrix relate to quantum mechanics?

In quantum mechanics, the Pauli matrices (including X’s matrix) are used to represent physical observables, such as spin and angular momentum. The eigenvalues of these matrices correspond to the possible measurement outcomes for these observables. Furthermore, the eigenvectors can represent the states of a quantum system.

What is the significance of Eigenvalues for X’s Pauli's matrix in linear algebra?

Eigenvalues for X’s Pauli's matrix play a significant role in linear algebra as they help in understanding the properties and behavior of the matrix. They can also be used to determine the invertibility and diagonalizability of the matrix. Furthermore, they are used in various applications such as solving systems of linear equations and finding the principal components in data analysis.

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