Algebraic Approach to Simple Quantum Systems: With Applications to Perturbation Theory

Francisco Marcelo Fernández

The standard textbook formulas for the perturbation corrections are somewhat cumbersome for a systematic calculation of sufficiently high order. In this book we show several alternative strategies that are easily programmable for numerical or algebraic calculation. We are mainly concerned with the derivation of exact perturbation corrections, and therefore concentrate on sufficiently simple nontrivial models having physical application. However, some of the algorithms discussed in this book are also suitable for numerical calculation.

Calvin H. Wilcox

Istvan Montvay

Andrew I. Trubilko

Abstract Using algebraic perturbation theory, the applicability of the quantum oscillator model within the theory of open quantum systems is demonstrated. The case of resonant and nonresonant interactions between two spatially separated oscillators is considered, where each oscillator interacts with its own thermostat at different temperatures. The possibility of the decay of an isolated oscillator into the thermostat of the oscillator-mediator under conditions of its nonresonant interaction with the latter is demonstrated. In all the cases presented, algebraic perturbation theory does not lead to any nonphysical features or contradictions, such as violations of the second law of thermodynamics or discrepancies in the description of these cases within the frameworks of the global and local approaches.

Michael A. Parker

This chapter begins by developing the relation between the quantum theory and the linear algebra. It discusses the most fundamental postulates of the theory and provides a phenomenological development of the Schrödinger wave equation (SWE) although the results might be gleaned from the classical Lagrangian and Hamiltonian with the Poisson bracket relations. Afterward some simple examples for the infinitely and finitely deep wells help clarify the basic postulates. The simple harmonic oscillator has perhaps the most sweeping implications and applications for the quantum theory. For this reason, we present the most applicable formalism for the Harmonic oscillator that uses the operator approach rather than the classical method of partial differential equations. The angular momentum and spin are presented for the study of the atom and for applications for nanodevices, and quantum computing. Next the representation formalism clarifies the distinction between the dynamical operators and the wave functions and their interrelations. The chapter discusses both timeindependent and time-dependent perturbation theories. The density operator combines the quantum theory with the classical theory for finding the behavior of a system. The density operator represents one of the basic concepts in the quantum theory. The remainder of the chapter introduces the more advanced material meant to introduce the quantum field theory starting with the second quantization and the propagator.

Kasia Rejzner