Trace and its square of mixed state density operator using integral

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on proving the properties of the mixed state density operator, specifically that the trace of the mixed state, tr(ρ_mixed), equals 1, while the trace of its square, tr(ρ_mixed²), is less than 1. The mixed state density operator is defined as ρ_mixed = (1/2π)∫₀²π dα ρ(ψ). The calculations presented show that tr(ρ_mixed) simplifies correctly to 1, but the attempt to compute tr(ρ_mixed²) reveals an error in the reasoning. The mistake lies in the assumption that the square of the trace behaves the same way as the trace itself, indicating a misunderstanding of the properties of mixed states. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurate calculations in quantum mechanics.
xyver
Messages
6
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


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

Homework Equations


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


The Attempt at a Solution


\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)<br />
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
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

That`s not correct, at least not the square of the trace.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Where is my mistake?
 
Thread 'Voltmeter readings for this circuit with switches'
TL;DR Summary: I would like to know the voltmeter readings on the two resistors separately in the picture in the following cases , When one of the keys is closed When both of them are opened (Knowing that the battery has negligible internal resistance) My thoughts for the first case , one of them must be 12 volt while the other is 0 The second case we'll I think both voltmeter readings should be 12 volt since they are both parallel to the battery and they involve the key within what the...
Thread 'Struggling to make relation between elastic force and height'
Hello guys this is what I tried so far. I used the UTS to calculate the force it needs when the rope tears. My idea was to make a relationship/ function that would give me the force depending on height. Yeah i couldnt find a way to solve it. I also thought about how I could use hooks law (how it was given to me in my script) with the thought of instead of having two part of a rope id have one singular rope from the middle to the top where I could find the difference in height. But the...
Back
Top