Why? exp(ixA)=cos(x)I+isin(x)A if A*A=I

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In summary, the conversation discusses the identity matrix, A matrix, and a power series in x to explain the expression e^{ixA}=\cos (xA) + i \sin (xA). The conversation also mentions the convergence properties and rearrangements of infinite series in physics. The conclusion is that A^2=1, A^n=1 if n is even, and A^n=A if n is odd.
  • #1
dream_chaser
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why? exp(ixA)=cos(x)I+isin(x)A if A*A=I
 
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  • #2
Your notation is not the friendliest..is I the same as i?

Anyway [tex]e^{ixA}=\cos (xA) + i \sin (xA)[/tex] So i don't think it does...
 
  • #3
I think in the post I is the identity matrix, and A some matrix.
The way you can see the identity you gave is true is if you expand the operator [itex]e^{ixA}[/itex] as a power series in x,

[tex]
e^{ixA} = \sum_{k=0}^{\infty}\frac{(ixA)^{k}}{k!}
[/tex]

For all the even terms in the above summation [itex]A^{2k}=I[/itex], while for all the odd terms [itex]A^{2k+1}=A[/itex]. Resum the remaining series and you end up with the expression you quoted.
 
  • #4
I assume [itex]A[/itex] is a linear operator or a matrix, that the space of operators has a norm, and there are convergence properties that justify my rearrangements (below) of infinites series. In physics, we typically pretend that everything is okay and proceed formally.

From [itex]A^2 = 1[/itex], [itex]A^n = 1[/itex] if [itex]n[/itex] is even, and [itex]A^n = A[/itex] if [itex]n[/itex] is odd.

[tex]
\begin{equation*}
\begin{split}
\exp{ixA} &= 1 + ixA + \frac{1}{2!}\left(ixA\right)^2 + \frac{1}{3!}\left(ixA\right)^3 ...\\
&= \left(1 - \frac{1}{2!} x^2A^2 + ...\right) + \left(ixA - \frac{1}{3!}ix^3A^3 + ...\right)\\
&= \left(1 - \frac{1}{2!}x^2 + ... \right) + i\left(x - \frac{1}{3!}x^3 + ... \right)A
\end{split}
\end{equation*}
[/tex]
 
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  • #5
thank you very much!

thank you very much!
 

FAQ: Why? exp(ixA)=cos(x)I+isin(x)A if A*A=I

Why does exp(ixA) equal cos(x)I + isin(x)A if A*A = I?

The equation exp(ixA) = cos(x)I + isin(x)A is a special case of Euler's formula, which states that e^(ix) = cos(x) + isin(x). In this case, x is replaced with ixA, and since A*A = I, we can substitute I for A*A in the formula. This results in exp(ixA) = cos(x)I + isin(x)A.

How does A*A = I relate to exp(ixA) = cos(x)I + isin(x)A?

A*A = I is a special case of the definition of a unitary matrix, which is a matrix that preserves the magnitude of vectors and the angles between them. A unitary matrix can also be represented as a rotation matrix in complex vector space. Therefore, when we apply the rotation operator exp(ixA) to a vector, it will rotate the vector by an angle of x in complex vector space.

Can exp(ixA) be simplified further?

No, exp(ixA) = cos(x)I + isin(x)A is already simplified as it is a result of substituting A*A = I into Euler's formula. However, depending on the values of A and x, the equation can be simplified to either a real or imaginary number.

What are some applications of exp(ixA) = cos(x)I + isin(x)A?

This equation has many applications in quantum mechanics, particularly in the study of quantum systems and quantum computing. It is also used in signal processing, control theory, and differential equations. Additionally, it has applications in physics, chemistry, and engineering.

Is there a geometric interpretation of exp(ixA) = cos(x)I + isin(x)A?

Yes, there is a geometric interpretation of this equation. The matrix A can be seen as a rotation operator in complex vector space, and x represents the angle of rotation. The real part, cos(x)I, represents the rotation around the real axis, while the imaginary part, isin(x)A, represents the rotation around the imaginary axis. Together, they form a complex rotation in vector space.

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