We show that the usual expression found in the literature, which tries to generalize the `Fermi golden rule' beyond second order in perturbation, is (surprisingly) incorrect. After identifying the weak steps of the two usual derivations, we derive a new expression of this generalized golden rule, intrinsically very different from the previous one, even though its form may look similar. We show that this new result already affects the next nonzero term of the transition probability expansion. From a direct comparison of this new result with its exact value - as given by the exact evolution operator - we also show that the usual approaches are inherently quite questionable beyond the second order in perturbation.
We show that the usual expression found in the literature, which tries to generalize the `Fermi golden rule' beyond second order in perturbation, is (surprisingly) incorrect. After identifying the weak steps of the two usual derivations, we derive a new expression of this generalized golden rule, intrinsically very different from the previous one, even though its form may look similar. We show that this new result already affects the next nonzero term of the transition probability expansion. From a direct comparison of this new result with its exact value - as given by the exact evolution operator - we also show that the usual approaches are inherently quite questionable beyond the second order in perturbation.
Fermi's 'golden rule' expressions refer to first- and second-order time-dependent perturbation theory results for transition probability rates involving designated final states which are members of a continuum. By use of a Laplace-average formalism, it is shown that the long-term time-averaged total transition probability rate involving designated initial and final states which are all members of a continuum is exactly the sum of the pertinent 'golden rule' expressions. Generalization to higher-order perturbation theory results is suggested.
Abstract Fermi’s golden rule is of great importance in quantum dynamics. However, in many textbooks on quantum mechanics, its contents and limitations are obscured by the approximations and arguments in the derivation, which are inevitable because of the generic setting considered. Here we propose to introduce it by an ideal model, in which the quasi-continuum band consists of equaldistant levels extending from − ∞ to + ∞ , and each of them couples to the discrete level with the same strength. For this model, the transition probability in the first order perturbation approximation can be calculated analytically by invoking the Poisson summation formula. It turns out to be a piecewise linear function of time, demonstrating on the one hand the key features of Fermi’s golden rule, and on the other hand that the rule breaks down beyond the Heisenberg time , even when the first order perturbation approximation itself is still valid.
We propose an improved scheme of perturbation theory based on our exact solution [An Min Wang, quant-ph/0611216] in general quantum systems independent of time. Our elementary start-point is to introduce the perturbing parameter as late as possible. Our main skills are Hamiltonian redivision so as to overcome a flaw of the usual perturbation theory, and the perturbing Hamiltonian matrix product decomposition in order to separate the contraction and anti-contraction terms. Our calculational technology is the limit process for eliminating apparent divergences. Our central idea is ``dynamical rearrangement and summation" for the sake of the partial contributions from the high order even all order approximations absorbed in our perturbed solution. Consequently, we obtain the improved forms of the zeroth, first, second and third order perturbed solutions absorbing the partial contributions from the high order even all order approximations of perturbation. Then we deduce the improved transition probability. In special, we propose the revised Fermi's golden rule. Moreover, we apply our scheme to obtain the improved forms of perturbed energy and perturbed state. In addition, we study an easy understanding example of two-state system to illustrate our scheme and show its advantages. All of this implies the physical reasons and evidences why our improved scheme of perturbation theory are actually calculable, operationally efficient, conclusively more accurate. Our improved scheme is the further development and interesting application of our exact solution, and it has been successfully used to study on open system dynamics [An Min Wang, quant-ph/0601051].
Abstract Fermi's Golden Rule is one of the most important results in quantum mechanics, predicting transition rates in applications ranging from beta decay to optical transitions, autoionization and photoionization. Most textbooks derive the Golden Rule only for the canonical case of a discrete state coupled by a time-independent perturbation to a continuum of final states. Here we present a unified treatment of several physical situations, including light absorption in atoms and solids, that all lead to the same Golden Rule expression. The essential ingredients are the transition matrix element and a spectral weighting function, whose physical origin need not be the density of final states, nor necessarily anything to do with the matter.The conventional discrete-to-continuum derivation introduces pedagogical complications associated with continuum normalization and the interpretation of the density of states. Among the cases considered here, the derivation for discrete transitions driven by a noisy perturbation is no more difficult mathematically but conceptually clearer, while leading directly to practical calculations. This suggests that it provides a more natural first introduction to the Golden Rule, with conventional continuum derivations better viewed later as another realization of the same underlying mathematical structure, rather than the other way around.
Using second-order, time-dependent perturbation theory, we calculate the intermediate and final state amplitudes for transitions from an initial to a final state via an intermediate resonance. When our complex energies are replaced by real energies our results are identical to the real energy final state amplitudes obtained by other authors, thus justifying the usual phenomenological replacement of real energies with complex ones when considering resonance behavior. We then derive the Fermi Golden Rule No. 1 with complex energies.
By splitting a Hamiltonian into two parts, using the solvability of eigenvalue problem of one part of the Hamiltonian, proving a useful identity and deducing an expansion formula of power of operator binomials, we obtain an explicit and general form of time evolution operator in the representation of solvable part of the Hamiltonian. Further we find out an exact solution of Schrödinger equation in a general time-independent quantum system, and write down its concrete form when the solvable part of this Hamiltonian is taken as the kinetic energy term. Comparing our exact solution with the usual perturbation theory makes some features and significance of our solution clear. Moreover, through deriving out the improved forms of the zeroth, first, second and third order perturbed solutions including the partial contributions from the higher order even all order approximations, we obtain the improved transition probability. In special, we propose the revised Fermi's golden rule. Then we apply our scheme to obtain the improved forms of perturbed energy and perturbed state. In addition, we study an easy understanding example to illustrate our scheme and show its advantage. All of this implies the physical reasons and evidences why our exact solution and perturbative scheme are formally explicit, actually calculable, operationally efficient, conclusively more accurate. Therefore our exact solution and perturbative scheme can be thought of theoretical developments of quantum dynamics. Further applications of our results in quantum theory can be expected.