- #1
jahlex
- 5
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Homework Statement
Given that [itex]A[/itex] is a square matrix and [itex]A^\dagger[/itex] is its Hermitian conjugate, and that [itex]A^\dagger A = 0[/itex], show that [itex]A = 0[/itex].
The Attempt at a Solution
Let [itex]\{|i\rangle\}[/itex] be some orthonormal basis. Find the matrix elements of [itex]A[/itex] by taking [itex]0 = \langle j| A^\dagger A |j \rangle = \displaystyle\sum_n \langle j|A^\dagger |n \rangle \langle n|A|j \rangle = \displaystyle\sum_n | \langle n|A|j \rangle |^2 \ge | \langle i|A|j \rangle |^2 = |A_{ij}|^2[/itex], so [itex]A_{ij} = 0[/itex] and [itex]A = 0[/itex].
3. Question
Is there a way to prove the result that does not rely on finding matrix elements?