Variant of Baker-Campbell-Hausdorff Formula

In summary, the conversation discusses the desire to find a clean/closed form version of the expression $$e^{X+Y}Ze^{-(X+Y)} - e^{Y}e^{X}Ze^{-X}e^{-Y}$$ where ##X,Y,Z## are matrices that do not commute with each other. The use of the BCH identity to expand each term in the expression is mentioned, but there is difficulty in simplifying the result due to the lack of control over how the expressions in ##X## and ##Y## commute with ##Z##. Suggestions are made to approach the problem using nilpotent matrices of low degree.
  • #1
thatboi
133
18
TL;DR Summary
I want to evaluate ##e^{X+Y}Ze^{-(X+Y)} - e^{Y}e^{X}Ze^{-X}e^{-Y}##
Hi all,
I was wondering if there was a clean/closed form version of the following expression: $$e^{X+Y}Ze^{-(X+Y)} - e^{Y}e^{X}Ze^{-X}e^{-Y}$$
where ##X,Y,Z## are matrices that don't commute with each other. I know of the BCH identity ##e^{X}Ye^{-X} = Y + [X,Y] + \frac{1}{2!}[X,[X,Y]] + \frac{1}{3!}[X,[X,[X,Y]]] + ...##
and I have used the identity to expand each term in my expression, but I cannot see a good way of cleaning up the result, I'm just left with a bunch of nested operators.
Any help would be appreciated, thanks!
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
  • #2
thatboi said:
TL;DR Summary: I want to evaluate ##e^{X+Y}Ze^{-(X+Y)} - e^{Y}e^{X}Ze^{-X}e^{-Y}##

Hi all,
I was wondering if there was a clean/closed form version of the following expression: $$e^{X+Y}Ze^{-(X+Y)} - e^{Y}e^{X}Ze^{-X}e^{-Y}$$
where ##X,Y,Z## are matrices that don't commute with each other. I know of the BCH identity ##e^{X}Ye^{-X} = Y + [X,Y] + \frac{1}{2!}[X,[X,Y]] + \frac{1}{3!}[X,[X,[X,Y]]] + ...##
and I have used the identity to expand each term in my expression, but I cannot see a good way of cleaning up the result, I'm just left with a bunch of nested operators.
Any help would be appreciated, thanks!
No way. What you are basically asking for is how to move the garbage on the left through ##Z## in order to annihilate the garbage on the right. Since you allow anything to happen by changing the sides of ##Z##, there is no way to make predictions.
 
  • #3
fresh_42 said:
No way. What you are basically asking for is how to move the garbage on the left through ##Z## in order to annihilate the garbage on the right. Since you allow anything to happen by changing the sides of ##Z##, there is no way to make predictions.
Could you elaborate on what you mean by "Since you allow anything to happen by changing the sides of ##Z## "?
 
  • #4
thatboi said:
Could you elaborate on what you mean by "Since you allow anything to happen by changing the sides of ##Z## "?
You have certain combined expressions in ##X## and ##Y## on the left and no control over how they commutate with ##Z##. ##e^X## and ##Z## aren't even in the same space.

I would approach this problem with nilpotent matrices of low degree, say the three-dimensional Heisenberg algebra for instance. Then with matrices of a bit increased degree of nilpotency. Maybe you can find a pattern. I will see if I can find something in the books.
 

FAQ: Variant of Baker-Campbell-Hausdorff Formula

What is the Baker-Campbell-Hausdorff (BCH) formula?

The Baker-Campbell-Hausdorff formula is a mathematical expression that provides a way to combine two exponentials of operators, typically in the context of Lie algebras. It expresses the logarithm of the product of two exponentials of operators in terms of a series involving their commutators. This formula is crucial in quantum mechanics and other fields where non-commuting operators are involved.

What is a Variant of the Baker-Campbell-Hausdorff Formula?

A variant of the Baker-Campbell-Hausdorff formula refers to modifications or generalizations of the original BCH formula that accommodate additional structures or specific conditions, such as time-dependent operators or higher-order terms. These variants may provide more precise results in applications like quantum mechanics, control theory, or differential geometry.

How is the BCH formula used in quantum mechanics?

In quantum mechanics, the BCH formula is used to simplify calculations involving time evolution operators, especially when dealing with time-dependent Hamiltonians. It allows physicists to express the evolution of quantum states in terms of exponentials of operators, making it easier to analyze systems with non-commuting observables and to derive results related to unitary transformations.

What are the main challenges in applying the BCH formula?

One of the main challenges in applying the BCH formula is dealing with the convergence of the series involved, especially when the operators do not commute. Additionally, calculating the necessary commutators can become increasingly complex for higher-order terms, making it difficult to derive explicit results in many cases. Finding appropriate conditions under which the BCH formula holds is also a significant challenge.

Are there practical applications of the BCH formula in modern physics?

Yes, the BCH formula has several practical applications in modern physics, including quantum optics, quantum information theory, and the study of coherent states. It is also used in the analysis of quantum control problems, where the dynamics of quantum systems need to be manipulated. Furthermore, the formula is relevant in the study of Lie groups and Lie algebras in mathematical physics.

Similar threads

Back
Top