How do I prove [a+,[a+,a]]=0 for quantum oscillator operators?

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In summary, the conversation discusses how to show that certain equations involving raising and lowering ladder operators in quantum oscillators result in a value of 0. The individual has attempted using formulas and operators, but is still unsure about one of the terms. The other person suggests simplifying the approach by considering the basic definition of a raising/lowering operator.
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meanyack
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Homework Statement


Actually the original question is too long but I need help for this tiny part that confuses me. I'll be done if I can show that
[a+,[a+,a]]=0 and similarly
[a,[a+,a]]=0
[a,[a,a+]]=0 etc
where a+ is the raising and a is the lowering ladder operator in quantum oscillator.

Homework Equations


I tried the formulas
[A,[B,C]]= -[C,[A,B]] -[B,[C,A]] and
a[tex]\psi[/tex]n=[tex]\sqrt{n}[/tex][tex]\psi[/tex]n-1
a+[tex]\psi[/tex]n=[tex]\sqrt{n+1}[/tex][tex]\psi[/tex]n+1

The Attempt at a Solution



When I use the formula I found
[a+,[a+, a]]= -[a,[a+,a+]]- [a+,[a,a+]]
On the rhs, first term is zero but I have no idea about the second

Also I tried to use [tex]\psi[/tex]n for this operator but it gives something like
[a,[a,a+]][tex]\psi[/tex]n=(n3/2+1)[tex]\psi[/tex]n-(n3/2+n1/2)[tex]\psi[/tex]n-1
which does not seem to be zero, trivially.
 
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  • #2
You are making this way too complicated. Isn't [a,a^(+)]=1? Isn't that what a raising/lowering operator means?
 

FAQ: How do I prove [a+,[a+,a]]=0 for quantum oscillator operators?

What does "[a+, [a+,a]]" represent in "Proof of how [a+,[a+,a]]=0"?

The notation "[a+, [a+,a]]" represents the commutator of two operators, specifically the commutator of the operator a+ and the commutator of a with itself. This is often used in quantum mechanics to study the behavior of operators.

What is the significance of proving that [a+, [a+,a]] = 0?

Proving that the commutator [a+, [a+,a]] equals 0 is important because it shows that these two operators commute with each other. This means that their order does not affect the outcome of a calculation, which is a fundamental property in quantum mechanics.

How is the proof of [a+, [a+,a]] = 0 related to the uncertainty principle?

The proof of [a+, [a+,a]] = 0 is closely related to the uncertainty principle, which states that certain pairs of physical properties, such as position and momentum, cannot both be known to arbitrary precision. This is because measuring one property affects the other. The proof of [a+, [a+,a]] = 0 helps to explain this relationship mathematically.

Can you provide an example of how [a+, [a+,a]] = 0 is used in quantum mechanics?

One example of how [a+, [a+,a]] = 0 is used in quantum mechanics is in the study of harmonic oscillators. The operators a+ and a represent the creation and annihilation operators for the oscillator, and their commutator is used to calculate the energy levels of the system.

Are there any exceptions to the proof of [a+, [a+,a]] = 0?

There are some exceptions to the proof of [a+, [a+,a]] = 0, particularly in more complex quantum systems. These exceptions may arise when dealing with operators that do not commute with each other, or when dealing with non-Hermitian operators. However, in most cases, the proof holds true and is an important concept in quantum mechanics.

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