Matrix representation of a unitary operator, change of basis

In summary, the expansion coefficients in the new basis can be obtained by multiplying (1.5.10) by the column matrix representing ##U^{\dagger}## .
  • #1
Kashmir
468
74
If ##U## is an unitary operator written as the bra ket of two complete basis vectors :##U=\sum_{k}\left|b^{(k)}\right\rangle\left\langle a^{(k)}\right|##

##U^\dagger=\sum_{k}\left|a^{(k)}\right\rangle\left\langle b^{(k)}\right|##

And we've a general vector ##|\alpha\rangle## such that ##|\alpha\rangle=\sum_{a^{\prime}}\left|a^{\prime}\right\rangle\left\langle a^{\prime} \mid \alpha\right\rangle##

Sakurai writes at pg 50 :
"how can we obtain ##\left\langle b^{\prime} \mid \alpha\right\rangle##, the expansion coefficients in the new basis? answer is very simple: Just multiply (1.5.9) by ##\left\langle b^{(k)}\right|##
##
\left\langle b^{(k)} \mid \alpha\right\rangle=\sum_{l}\left\langle b^{(k)} \mid a^{(l)}\right\rangle\left\langle a^{(l)} \mid \alpha\right\rangle=\sum_{l}\left\langle a^{(k)}\left|U^{\dagger}\right| a^{(l)}\right\rangle\left\langle a^{(l)} \mid \alpha\right\rangle .
##
##(1.5 .1##
In matrix notation, (1.5.10) states that the column matrix for ##|\alpha\rangle## in the new basis can be obtained just by applying the square matrix ##U^{\dagger}## to the colum matrix in the old basis:
##\quad(\mathrm{New})=\left(U^{\dagger}\right)(##old ##)##"So if the matrix representing ##U^\dagger## is applied on to the matrix representing ##|\alpha\rangle## ,it gives the vectors representation in the new basis. But when I apply ##U^\dagger## onto say an basis vector ##\left|a_{1}\right\rangle## ,it doesn't give me the vectors representation in new basis as shown below :

##\begin{aligned} U^{\dagger}\left|a_{1}\right\rangle &=\sum_{k}\left|a^{k}\right\rangle\left\langle b^{k} \mid a_{1}\right\rangle \\ &=\sum_{k}\left(\left\langle b^{k} \mid a_{1}\right\rangle\right) \cdot\left|a^{k}\right\rangle \end{aligned}##
 
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  • #2
Why should it? You rather have
$$\ket{b^k}=\hat{U} \ket{a^k}.$$
Sakurai in the quoted text uses the adjoint of this
$$\bra{b^k}=\bra{a^k} \hat{U}^{\dagger}.$$
 

FAQ: Matrix representation of a unitary operator, change of basis

What is a unitary operator?

A unitary operator is a linear transformation that preserves the inner product of vectors. This means that the length and angle between vectors are maintained after the transformation. In terms of matrices, a unitary operator is represented by a square matrix whose conjugate transpose is equal to its inverse.

What is the significance of a unitary operator in quantum mechanics?

In quantum mechanics, unitary operators are used to describe the evolution of quantum states over time. They are essential in preserving the probabilistic nature of quantum systems, ensuring that the total probability of all possible outcomes remains equal to 1.

How is a unitary operator represented in matrix form?

A unitary operator is represented by a square matrix whose columns and rows are orthonormal vectors. This means that the columns and rows are perpendicular to each other and have a length of 1. The matrix must also satisfy the condition that its conjugate transpose is equal to its inverse.

What is the concept of change of basis?

Change of basis refers to the process of representing a vector or a linear transformation in terms of a different set of basis vectors. This is often done to simplify calculations or to gain a better understanding of the vector or transformation in a different context.

How is the matrix representation of a unitary operator affected by a change of basis?

When a unitary operator is represented in a different basis, its matrix representation changes accordingly. However, the new matrix will still satisfy the conditions of a unitary operator, namely that its conjugate transpose is equal to its inverse. This allows for the same physical interpretation of the unitary operator, but in a different basis.

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