Trace and its square of mixed state density operator using integral

In summary, the conversation discusses the task of proving that the trace of a mixed state, denoted as tr(\hat{\rho}_{mixed}), is equal to 1 and that the trace of the square of the mixed state, denoted as tr(\hat{\rho}_{mixed}^{2}), is less than 1. This is done by showing that the mixed state, represented by the equation \hat{\rho}_{mixed}=\frac{1}{2\pi}\int_{0}^{2\pi}d \alpha \hat{\rho}(\psi), is equal to \hat{\rho}(\psi), which leads to the trace of the mixed state and its square being equal to 1. The conversation also mentions
  • #1
xyver
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Homework Statement


I want to show that
[tex]tr\left(\hat{\rho}_{mixed}\right)=1[/tex]
[tex]tr\left(\hat{\rho}_{mixed}^{2}\right)<1[/tex]
when
[tex]
\hat{\rho}_{mixed}=\frac{1}{2\pi}\int_{0}^{2\pi}d \alpha \hat{\rho}(\psi)
[/tex]

Homework Equations


[tex] tr\left(\psi\right)= \sum_{n}\langle n|\psi|n\rangle[/tex]
[tex]\hat{\rho}=\sum_{a}\omega_{a}|\psi\rangle\langle \psi|[/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution


[tex]\hat{\rho}_{mixed}=\frac{1}{2\pi}\int_{0}^{2\pi}d\alpha\hat{\rho}(\psi)=\frac{1}{2\pi}\left[\alpha\right]_{0}^{2\pi}\hat{\rho}(\psi)=\frac{1}{2\pi}\left[2\pi-0\right]\hat{\rho}(\psi)=\hat{\rho}(\psi)
[/tex]
[tex]tr\left(\hat{\rho}_{mixed}(\psi)\right)= tr\left( \hat{\rho}(\psi)\right)=\sum_{n}\sum_{a}\langle n| \underbrace{\psi_{a}\rangle\langle\psi_{a}}_{=1}|n\rangle=\sum_{n}\langle n|n\rangle=1 [/tex]
[tex]tr \left(\hat{\rho}_{mixed}^{2}( \psi)\right)= tr\left( \hat{\rho}^{2}(\psi)\right)= tr\left(\hat{\rho}(\psi) \cdot \hat{\rho}(\psi)\right) = \sum_{n}\sum_{a,b} \langle n| \underbrace{\psi_{a}\rangle \langle\psi_{a}}_{=1}| \underbrace{\psi_{b} \rangle\langle\psi_{b}}_{=1}|n\rangle= \sum_{n}\langle n|n\rangle= 1[/tex]

That`s not correct, at least not the square of the trace.
 
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  • #2
Where is my mistake?
 

FAQ: Trace and its square of mixed state density operator using integral

What is the trace of a mixed state density operator?

The trace of a mixed state density operator is a mathematical operation that involves summing the diagonal elements of the density operator matrix. It represents the average value of the operator and is important in calculating the expectation value of a quantum system.

2. How is the trace of a mixed state density operator related to the system's probabilities?

The trace of a mixed state density operator is directly related to the probabilities of the system's states. The sum of the probabilities of all possible outcomes is equal to the trace of the density operator.

3. What is the square of a mixed state density operator?

The square of a mixed state density operator is the result of multiplying the density operator by itself. It is a useful mathematical operation in quantum mechanics as it helps to simplify calculations and determine the time evolution of a system.

4. How is the integral involved in calculating the trace of a mixed state density operator?

The integral is used to calculate the trace of a mixed state density operator when the system is in continuous states rather than discrete states. The integral is taken over all possible values of the state variable and is essential in determining the trace of the density operator.

5. Why is the trace of a mixed state density operator important in quantum mechanics?

The trace of a mixed state density operator is important in quantum mechanics because it provides a way to calculate the expectation value of a system and understand its behavior. It also allows for the determination of probabilities and the time evolution of quantum systems.

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