Perturbation Theory: Time-Independent, Non-Degenerate Results

In summary, on page 4 of the text, the author presents the results of the 2nd order terms in equations (32), (33), and (34). The second equality in these equations is derived by substituting in the expression for the second order coefficients in the expansion. This involves using the fact that V is hermitian and multiplying it with the first approximation for c^1_m, which is \frac{V_{n,m}}{E_{m,n}}. The negative sign in the second equality comes from interchanging m and n in the term E_{m,n} = -E_{n,m} after hermitian conjugation of c^1_m.
  • #1
PineApple2
49
0
time-independent, non-degenerate. I am referring to the following text, which I am reading:
http://www.pa.msu.edu/~mmoore/TIPT.pdf
On page 4, it represents the results of the 2nd order terms. In Eqs. (32), (33) and (34) I don't understand the second equality, i.e. basing on which formula he has turned the potential terms into a sum.
For example, in (32) how he got from [itex]\langle n^{(0)}|V|n^{(1)} \rangle [/itex] to [itex]-\sum_{m\neq 0}\frac{|V_{nm}|^2}{E_{mn}}[/itex]
 
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  • #2
You substitute in the expression you found for the second order coefficients in the expansion.
The sum is something along the lines of

[itex]E_n^2 = \sum_{m \ne n} V_{n,m} c^1_m[/itex]

and in the first approximation you find that [itex]c^1_m = \frac{V_n,m}{E_{m,n}}[/itex] and you realize that V is hermitian and you multiply them together and get what you have, the negative sign comes from interchanging the m and n in the [itex]E_{m,n} = -E_{n,m}[/itex] term after you hermitian conjugate [itex]c^1_m[/itex]
 

FAQ: Perturbation Theory: Time-Independent, Non-Degenerate Results

What is perturbation theory?

Perturbation theory is a method used in physics and mathematics to approximate the solutions of a problem that is difficult to solve exactly. It involves breaking down the problem into a simpler, solvable system and then adding small corrections to account for the more complex aspects.

What is the difference between time-independent and time-dependent perturbation theory?

In time-independent perturbation theory, the perturbation (small correction) to the system does not change with time. This is typically used for systems in a steady state. In time-dependent perturbation theory, the perturbation can change with time and is used for systems that are evolving over time.

What does it mean for a system to be non-degenerate in perturbation theory?

A non-degenerate system in perturbation theory means that the unperturbed system has distinct energy levels. This allows for a simpler calculation of the perturbed energy levels and their corresponding wavefunctions.

How do you calculate the energy corrections in time-independent, non-degenerate perturbation theory?

In this type of perturbation theory, the energy corrections are calculated using the first-order perturbation formula: ΔE^(1) = V^(1) * Ψ^(0), where ΔE^(1) is the first-order energy correction, V^(1) is the first-order perturbation, and Ψ^(0) is the unperturbed wavefunction.

What are the limitations of perturbation theory?

Perturbation theory is only applicable for small perturbations to a system and may not accurately describe the behavior of a system when the perturbation is large. It also assumes that the unperturbed system is well-understood and that the perturbation is well-behaved. Additionally, perturbation theory may not converge if the perturbation is too large or if the system has degenerate energy levels.

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