Ladder operator for harmonic oscillator, I don't get a mathematical

In summary, the conversation discusses the use of ladder operators and the number operator in the context of the harmonic oscillator. The individual makes a mistake in their calculation due to not considering the non-commutativity of x and p as operators. This mistake is pointed out by the other individual in the conversation.
  • #1
fluidistic
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If the ladder operator ##a=\sqrt {\frac{m\omega}{2\hbar}}x+\frac{ip}{\sqrt{2m\hbar \omega}}## and ##a^\dagger=\sqrt {\frac{m\omega}{2\hbar}}x-\frac{ip}{\sqrt{2m\hbar \omega}}## then I get that the number operator N, defined as ##a^\dagger a## is worth ##\frac{m \omega x^2}{2\hbar}+\frac{p^2}{2m\hbar \omega}##.
In wikipedia and http://quantummechanics.ucsd.edu/ph130a/130_notes/node167.html, as well as in books, one can read that for the harmonic oscillator ##\hat H=\hbar \omega \left ( a^\dagger a +\frac{1}{2} \right )##. When I calculate the right hand side of this equation using my calculated value for N, I reach that ##\hbar \omega \left ( a^\dagger a +\frac{1}{2} \right )=\frac{\hbar \omega }{2}+\frac{m\omega ^2 x^2}{2}+\frac{p^2}{2m}##.
However for the harmonic oscillator the hamiltonian operator is ##\hat H=\frac{\hat {\vec p ^2}}{2m}+\frac{m\omega ^2 \hat x ^2}{2}##.
So that I do not reach that the left hand side is equal to the right hand side. Instead, I get that the left hand side is worth the right hand side + ##E_0##, the ground state energy. Am I making an algebra mistake?! If not, what the heck is going on?
 
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  • #2
fluidistic said:
If the ladder operator ##a=\sqrt {\frac{m\omega}{2\hbar}}x+\frac{ip}{\sqrt{2m\hbar \omega}}## and ##a^\dagger=\sqrt {\frac{m\omega}{2\hbar}}x-\frac{ip}{\sqrt{2m\hbar \omega}}## then I get that the number operator N, defined as ##a^\dagger a## is worth ##\frac{m \omega x^2}{2\hbar}+\frac{p^2}{2m\hbar \omega}##.
This is not true because x and p don't commute, so the mixed terms don't vanish. xp is not equal to px, but to px + [x,p].
 
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  • #3
kith said:
This is not true because x and p don't commute, so the mixed terms don't vanish. xp is not equal to px, but to px + [x,p].

My bad, you are right. For a moment I forgot that x and p were operators. Thank you very much!
 
  • #4
You're welcome ;-)
 

FAQ: Ladder operator for harmonic oscillator, I don't get a mathematical

What is a ladder operator for harmonic oscillator?

A ladder operator for harmonic oscillator is a mathematical operator that is used to describe the energy levels and corresponding wavefunctions of a quantum harmonic oscillator. It allows us to move up or down the ladder of energy levels by a fixed amount, depending on the operator used.

How do ladder operators work for harmonic oscillators?

Ladder operators work by applying specific mathematical operations on the wavefunction of a harmonic oscillator. The raising operator increases the energy level by a fixed amount, while the lowering operator decreases it. Together, they allow us to move between different energy levels and obtain the corresponding wavefunctions.

What is the significance of ladder operators in quantum mechanics?

Ladder operators are significant in quantum mechanics because they provide a simple and elegant way to describe the energy levels and wavefunctions of a quantum harmonic oscillator. They also play a crucial role in understanding the properties of other quantum systems.

How are ladder operators derived for harmonic oscillators?

Ladder operators are derived using the principles of quantum mechanics and the properties of the harmonic oscillator potential. The raising and lowering operators are obtained by applying specific mathematical operations on the Hamiltonian of the system.

What are some applications of ladder operators in physics?

Ladder operators have various applications in physics, including in quantum field theory, quantum optics, and atomic and molecular physics. They are also used in the study of quantum systems such as the hydrogen atom and the simple harmonic oscillator.

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