How Do You Solve for the Propagator in Momentum Space Under Constant Force?

In summary, the conversation discusses solving for the propagator in momentum space for a particle subject to a constant force, using the Hamiltonian and wave function in momentum space. The final expression is used to calculate the propagator and solve the problem.
  • #1
WarnK
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Homework Statement


(this is from R. Shankar, Principles of Quantum Mechanics, 2nd ed, exercise 5.4.3)
Consider a particle subject to a constant force f in one dimension. Solve for the propagator in momentum space and get

[tex] U(p,t;p',0) = \delta (p-p'-ft) e^{ i(p'^3-p^3)/6m\hbar f } [/tex]

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



I write a hamiltonian H = p^2/2m + fx, plug that into H|p>=E|p>, with the x operator in momentum space being ih d/dp, it's all nice and seperable and I get

[tex] \psi(p) = A exp \left( i \frac{p^3-6mEp}{6m\hbar f} \right) [/tex]

but what do I do now? I'm not sure how to go about normalizing this.
 
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  • #2
First of all, you don't really mean H|p>=E|p>; |p> is an eigenstate of the momentum operator, but not of H; you mean H|E>=E|E>, where <p|E> is your momentum-space wave function.

You want to normalize it so that you can write a completeness statement in the form
[tex]\int_{-\infty}^{+\infty}dE\;|E\rangle\langle E| = I,[/tex]
where I is the identity operator.
 
  • #3
Thanks!
It's a bit much too write everything as tex but I ended up with
[tex] A = \left( \frac{1}{2 \pi \hbar f} \right)^{1/2} [/tex]
Now, how do I get a propagator out of this!
 
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  • #4
The propagator is <p'|e^(-iHt/hbar)|p>. Can you think of a use for the completeness statement?
 
  • #5
[tex]
\langle p'| e^{-iHt/ \hbar} |p\rangle = \int_{-\infty}^{+\infty}dE \langle p'|E \rangle \langle E| e^{-iHt/ \hbar} |p\rangle = \int_{-\infty}^{+\infty}dE \langle p'|E \rangle \langle E|p-ft\rangle
[/tex]
and I can plug in my expression for psi, do the integral and out comes the given answer.
But how come e^(-iHt/hbar)|p> = |p-ft>? I just guessed it from experience of doing lots of integrals like these.
 
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  • #6
You don't need to guess it, and in fact it's not correct; evaluating your final expression does not yield the given result (so you made a mistake somewhere when you evaluated it).

In your middle expression, you can replace H with E, since H is sitting next to one of its eigenstates. Then the integral over E will generate the given answer.
 
  • #7
Hi, i have a quick question on middle part of the integral. How do you evaluate <E|e[itex]^{-iEt/h}[/itex]|p> ?
 
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FAQ: How Do You Solve for the Propagator in Momentum Space Under Constant Force?

What is QM and how does it relate to the propagator of a particle?

QM stands for quantum mechanics, which is a branch of physics that describes the behavior of particles at a microscopic level. The propagator of a particle is a mathematical expression used in QM to calculate the probability of a particle moving from one point to another in space and time.

What is the significance of the propagator in QM?

The propagator is a fundamental concept in QM that helps us understand the behavior of particles and their interactions. It allows us to calculate the probability of a particle's position and momentum at any given time, which is essential in predicting and explaining the behavior of quantum systems.

How is the propagator derived in QM?

The propagator is derived from the Schrodinger equation, which is the basic equation of QM. By solving the Schrodinger equation for a specific system, we can obtain the propagator and use it to make predictions about the behavior of particles in that system.

Can the propagator be used to calculate the probability of a particle's position and momentum simultaneously?

No, according to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, it is impossible to know the exact position and momentum of a particle simultaneously. The propagator can only be used to calculate the probability of a particle's position and momentum at a specific time, not both at the same time.

Are there any limitations to the use of the propagator in QM?

Yes, the propagator is most effective for calculating the behavior of non-relativistic particles, meaning particles that are not moving at speeds close to the speed of light. It also has limitations in describing the behavior of particles in highly complex systems, such as those with many interacting particles.

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