In quantum mechanics, the three coordinate operators have each the set of real numers as eigen values. The problem of localization of a particle being linked to that of measurement of distance to a given point we can equivalently consider the “square distance operator”. The eigen‐values of the “square distance operator” acting on functions of position are the same as those of the Laplacian (multiplied by a negative constant involving h) acting on functions of momentum (Fourier transforms, involving h, of the function of position). We impose to these functions (as well as to the Fourier transform of the wave function) to vanish outside a compact and on its boundary. Consequently the above Laplacian has a discrete infinite spectrum of strictly positive eigen‐values which are also the eigen‐values of of the “square distance operator”. So their square roots are the observable values of distance with a minimum observable distance. Examples are given.
In quantum mechanics, the three coordinate operators have each the set of real numers as eigen values. The problem of localization of a particle being linked to that of measurement of distance to a given point we can equivalently consider the “square distance operator”. The eigen‐values of the “square distance operator” acting on functions of position are the same as those of the Laplacian (multiplied by a negative constant involving h) acting on functions of momentum (Fourier transforms, involving h, of the function of position). We impose to these functions (as well as to the Fourier transform of the wave function) to vanish outside a compact and on its boundary. Consequently the above Laplacian has a discrete infinite spectrum of strictly positive eigen‐values which are also the eigen‐values of of the “square distance operator”. So their square roots are the observable values of distance with a minimum observable distance. Examples are given.
According to the postulates of quantum mechanics, the state of a system is associated with a wave function that contains any measurable information on the system at any time. In this chapter we become familiar with wave functions and how they represent the position of particles within the system. Within the realm of quantum mechanics, the position of particles is not deterministic. It is defined by a probability distribution. The wave function is a position-dependent complex-valued amplitude, whose absolute value squared is identified with the probability density for locating the particle in the position space. This identification of the wave function with a probability amplitude imposes some limitation. Particularly, for a closed system in which the particles are bound, the wave function must be proper (square integrable) and normalizable. These properties are discussed and demonstrated for different coordinate systems.
Part 1: the need for the quantum mechanics quantization of radiation the special theory of relativity wave-particle duality the nature of matter waves the uncertainty principle the Bohr atom. Part 2 Schrodinger's equation: the postulates of quantum mechanics the wave equation the wave equation in three dimensions the time-independent Schrodinger equation stationary states normalisation probability flux physical constraints on the wave-function wave packets Gaussian wave-packets and the uncertainty principle. Part 3 One-dimensional potential wells: potential wells the one-dimensional infinite square well discussion of infinite square-well results eigenvalue equations the finite square well finite square well eigenfunctions the control of the wave-function by the wave equation numerical integration of Schrodinger's equation continuum solutions of the square-well potential interpretation of unbound-particle wave functions the double potential well the quantum bouncer electric fields and the tilted well the harmonic oscillator - introduction the quantum oscillator discussion of harmonic oscillator eigenvalues and eigenfunctions the classical probability density more potential wells. Part 4 Schrodinger's equation in three dimensions: particle in a three dimensional box degeneracy Schrodingers equation in spherical polar coordinates - the hydrogen atom normalisation. Part 5 Formal development of quantum mechanics: eigenvalues equations, operators and measurements the momentum operator, eigenvalues and eigenfunctions the position operator and its eigenfunctions Hermitian operators orthogonality of eigenfunctions the expansion postulate example - the b-decay of tritium expectation values compatibility of observables - commutators non-commuting operators time-dependence of expectation values - Ehrenfest's theorem abstract operators - the parity operator, matrix mechanics. Part 6 Angular momentum: angular momentum operators angular momentum commutators angular momentum eigenvalues and eigenfunctions interpretation of angular momentum eigenvalues interpretation of angular momentum eigenfunctions the Stern-Gerlach apparatus and electron spin spin operators - the Pauli Spin matrices the Zeeman effect measurements in quantum mechanics. Part 7 Spherically symmetric potential wells: the rigid rotator the radial equation the hydrogen atom and hydrogen like ions the isotropic harmonic oscillator molecular vibrations - the Morse potential the spherical square well general properties of spherically symmetric potential wells. (Part contents)
The goal of Quantum Mechanics I, A Problem Text, is to enable students to solve problems appropriate to their first course in quantum mechanics. Significantly detailed solutions to traditionally posed problems dominate. Theory and rationale are addressed in prescript and postscript narratives and/or within the solved problems to guide students; and clarify vocabulary, symbology, and terminology. Applications of the postulates are presented initially using arguments from linear algebra appropriate to discrete systems with low-dimensional vectors and matrix operators, introducing orthogonality, orthonormality, Hermiticity, eigenvectors, eigenvalues, probability, expectation value, and degeneracy. These arguments blend into infinite-dimensional vectors and operators, and calculus-based arguments for continuous systems where delta functions, theta functions, and Fourier transforms are initially discussed. Dirac notation is fully developed within these first five chapters. Chapter six discusses Ehrenfest’s theorem, the Heisenberg uncertainty relations, and Gaussian wave functions and wave packets. Increasingly sophisticated potential energy functions are then treated to include the free particle, the infinite square well, the one-dimensional scattering state, the simple harmonic oscillator, the finite square well, orbital angular momentum, and the hydrogen atom. Ladder operators are featured in the developments of the simple harmonic oscillator and orbital angular momentum. The diversity of narratives and detailed solutions intend
The concept of position is a basic one in our construction of a model of thenphysical world: yet the theory of localisation in quantum mechanics is fraughtnwith difficulties, especially in the relativistic case. A strictly localised state forna nonrelativistic particle cannot be described by an ordinary function. In thenrelativistic case the problems are manifold. For a free electron, using the Diracnposition operator x, we cannot construct positive-energy states which localisenthe particle within a compact region. Furthermore it has been suggested that anconsistent one-particle description of localisation on a scale small compared tonthe Compton wavelength of the particle is ruled out because pair-productionnwould take place. These matters are dicussed at greater length in Chaptern1, where several proposed localisation schemes (that is, sets of definitions ofnlocalised states and position operators) are reviewed: none of these is deemednwholly satisfactory. Introductory remarks are also made in this chapter aboutnthe remarkable phenomenon of 'probability backflow', which is discussed further below, and which is relevant to our discussion of localisation.In Chapter 2 we show that while strict localisation of the free Dirac particle is not describable within the usual mathematical formalism, in terms of Dirac's position operator x it is possible to describe sequences of positive-energy states whose spread Dx = ((x -- x0)2) about a point X0 approaches zero.In Chapter 3 the component states of these sequences are used as the basis of a full causally well-behaved solution to the localisation problem for the free electron, with natural space-time transformation properties. It is shown that although x is not an observable in the usual sense, the four-vector density (p(x, t), j(x, t)/c) is observable, and can be localised arbitrarily precisely about any point in space, at any instant of time, using only positive-energy states. A suitable spin operator can be diagonalised at the same time.n n
The definition of momentum operator in quantum mechanics has some foundational problems and needs to be improved. For example, the results are different in general by using momentum operator and kinetic operator to calculate microparticle’s kinetic energy. In the curved coordinate systems, momentum operators can not be defined properly. When momentum operator is acted on non-eigen wave functions in coordinate space, the resulting non-eigen values are complex numbers in general. In this case, momentum operator is not the Hermitian operator again. The average values of momentum operator are complex numbers unless they are zero. The same problems exist for angle momentum operator. Universal momentum operator is proposed in this paper. Based on it, all problems above can be solved well. The logical foundation of quantum mechanics becomes more complete and the EPY momentum paradox can be eliminated thoroughly. By considering the fact that there exist a difference between the theoretical value and the real value of momentum, the concepts of auxiliary momentum and auxiliary angle momentum are introduced. The relation between auxiliary angle momentum and spin is deduced and the essence of micro-particle’s spin is revealed. In this way, the fact that spin gyro-magnetic ratio is two times of orbit gyro-magnetic ratio, as well as why the electrons of ground state without obit angle momentum do not fall into atomic nuclear can be explained well. The real reason that the Bell inequality is not supported by experiments is revealed, which has nothing to do with whether or not hidden variables exist, as well as whether or not locality is violated in microcosmic processes.