Name: Sri Krithika Advanced Quantum Mechanics

Date: 8/12/24 Assignment 3 Solutions

Q1.

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Name: Sri Krithika Advanced Quantum Mechanics
Date: 8/12/24 Assignment 3 Solutions

p̂2x mω 2 x̂2 p̂2y mω 2 ŷ 2

Q2. (a) Ĥ = + + +
2m 2 2m 2
The hamiltonian is a sum of two independent harmonic oscillators.

Let |nx , ny i denote the energy eigenstates where: nx , ny ∈ {0, 1, ...}

   
1 1
Hence, the energy eigenvalues are: nx + ~ω + ny + ~ω = (nx + ny + 1) ~ω
2 2
→ Ground state energy is: ~ω corresponding to state |0, 0i
→ 1st excited state energy is: 2~ω corresponding to states |0, 1i, |1, 0i

Hence, the two lowest energy eigenvalues are: ~ω , 2~ω

→The ground state eigenvalue ~ω is non-degenerate.
→The 1st excited state eigenvalue 2~ω has degeneracy 2.
    δ~ω   
~
(b) We have: V̂ = δmω 2 x̂ŷ = δmω 2 âx + â†x ây + â†y = âx + â†x ây + â†y
2mω 2
• Ground state |0, 0i with energy (non-degenerate) ~ω:

δ~ω   
The leading order correction is: ∆(1) = h0, 0|V̂ |0, 0i = h0, 0| âx + â†x ây + â†y |0, 0i
2
δ~ω   δ~ω
⇒ ∆(1) = h0, 0| âx + â†x |0, 1i = h0, 0|1, 1i = 0
2 2
Hence, the leading order correction to the ground state energy level is 0.

Thus, the ground state energy (up to leading order) is ~ω.

• 1st excited states |0, 1i, |1, 0i with energy (degenerate) 2~ω:

The leading order correction only mixes these degenerate states.

" #
h1, 0|V̂ |1, 0i h1, 0|V̂ |0, 1i
Consider the matrix: V =
h0, 1|V̂ |1, 0i h0, 1|V̂ |0, 1i
δ~ω    δ~ω  
→ h1, 0|V̂ |1, 0i = h1, 0| âx + â†x ây + â†y |1, 0i = h1, 0| âx + â†x |1, 1i
2 2
δ~ω √

⇒ h1, 0|V̂ |1, 0i = h1, 0| |0, 1i + 2|2, 1i = 0
2

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Name: Sri Krithika Advanced Quantum Mechanics
Date: 8/12/24 Assignment 3 Solutions
δ~ω      √
→ h1, 0|V̂ |0, 1i = h1, 0| âx + â†x ây + â†y |0, 1i = δ~ω
2 h1, 0| âx + â†x (|0, 0i+ 2|0, 2i)
2
δ~ω √
δ~ω
⇒ h1, 0|V̂ |0, 1i = h1, 0| |1, 0i + 2|1, 2i =
2 2
δ~ω       √
→ h0, 1|V̂ |0, 1i = h0, 1| âx + â†x ây + â†y |0, 1i = δ~ω
2 h0, 1| âx + â†x (|0, 0i+ 2|0, 2i)
2
δ~ω √

⇒ h0, 1|V̂ |0, 1i = h0, 1| |1, 0i + 2|1, 2i = 0
2
δ~ω
→ h0, 1|V̂ |1, 0i = (h1, 0|V̂ |0, 1i)† =
2
" # " #
h1, 0|V̂ |1, 0i h1, 0|V̂ |0, 1i δ~ω 0 1
⇒V = =
h0, 1|V̂ |1, 0i h0, 1|V̂ |0, 1i 2 1 0

The eigenvalues of this matrix gives us the leading order energy correction ∆(1) .

δ~ω
−∆(1)
" #
2
2 δ~ω 2 δ~ω
⇒ ∆(1) ⇒ ∆(1) = ±


⇒ det =0 − 2 =0
δ~ω
−∆(1) 2
2
δ~ω
Hence, the leading order correction to the 1st excited state energy level is: ±
2
 
δ
This energy shift results in an energy of (up to leading order): ~ω 2 ±
2
Hence, the leading order correction to the energies are:
→The ground state eigenvalue shifts by: 0
δ~ω
→The 1st excited state eigenvalue shifts by: ±
2
p̂2x p̂2y mω 2 2
(c) We have: Ĥ = + + (x̂ + ŷ 2 + 2δ x̂ŷ)
2m 2m 2
p̂2x p̂2y mω 2
⇒ Ĥ = + + ((1 + δ)(x̂ + ŷ)2 + (1 − δ)(x̂ − ŷ)2 )
2m 2m 4
Now, we are dealing with the coordinates x, y along ⊥ directions î, ĵ respectively.

Consider coordinates x0 , y0 along ⊥ directions √1 (î

2
+ y ĵ), √12 (xî − y ĵ) respectively.

⇒ |px0 |2 = |py0 |2 = 21 (|px |2 + |py |2 ) ⇒ |px0 |2 + |py0 |2 = |px |2 + |py |2

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Name: Sri Krithika Advanced Quantum Mechanics
Date: 8/12/24 Assignment 3 Solutions

p̂2x0 p̂2y0 mω 2 2 2
⇒ Ĥ = + + ((1 + δ)x̂0 + (1 − δ)ŷ 0 )
2m 2m 2
2
p̂2x0 mω 2 (1 + δ) 0 2 p̂y0 mω 2 (1 − δ) 0 2
⇒ Ĥ = + x̂ + + ŷ
2m 2 2m 2
√
This is a sum of two independent harmonic oscillators with frequencies ω 1 ± δ.

Let |n+ , n− i denote the energy eigenstates where: n+ , n− ∈ {0, 1, ...}

√ √
   
1 1
Hence, the energy eigenvalues are: n+ + ~ω 1 + δ + n− + ~ω 1 − δ
2 2
→ Ground state |0, 0i has energy:

~ω √ √
 

~ω δ δ
1+δ+ 1−δ = 1+ +1− + O(δ 2 ) = ~ω + O(δ 2 )
2 2 2 2
→ 1st excited state |1, 0i has energy:

~ω √ √
 

~ω 3δ δ δ~ω
3 1+δ+ 1−δ = 3+ +1− + O(δ 2 ) = 2~ω + + O(δ 2 )
2 2 2 2 2
→ 1st excited state |0, 1i has energy:

~ω √ √
 

~ω δ 3δ δ~ω
1+δ+3 1−δ = 1+ +3− + O(δ 2 ) = 2~ω − + O(δ 2 )
2 2 2 2 2
Hence, the leading order correction to the energies are:
→The ground state eigenvalue shifts from ~ω by: 0
δ~ω
→The 1st excited state eigenvalue shifts from 2~ω by: ±
2
This matches with our results from part-b.
 3/2   2
~
(d) We have: V̂ = λ2 x̂ŷ 2 = λ2 âx + â†x ây + â†y
2mω
  2  3/2
~
⇒ V̂ = A âx + â†x ây + â†y where: A = λ2
2mω
• Ground state |0, 0i with energy (non-degenerate) ~ω:
  2
The leading order correction is: ∆(1) = h0, 0|V̂ |0, 0i = Ah0, 0| âx + â†x ây + â†y |0, 0i

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Name: Sri Krithika Advanced Quantum Mechanics
Date: 8/12/24 Assignment 3 Solutions
     √
⇒ ∆(1) = Ah0, 0| âx + â†x ây + â†y |0, 1i = Ah0, 0| âx + â†x |0, 0i + 2|0, 2i

√
⇒ ∆(1) = Ah0, 0| |1, 0i +


2|1, 2i = 0

Hence, the leading order correction to the ground state energy level is 0.

Thus, the ground state energy (up to leading order) is ~ω.

• 1st excited states |0, 1i, |1, 0i with energy (degenerate) 2~ω:

The leading order correction only mixes these degenerate states.

" #
h1, 0|V̂ |1, 0i h1, 0|V̂ |0, 1i
Consider the matrix: V =
h0, 1|V̂ |1, 0i h0, 1|V̂ |0, 1i

2
→ h1, 0|V̂ |1, 0i = Ah1, 0| âx + â†x ây + â†y |1, 0i = Ah1, 0| âx + â†x ây + â†y |1, 1i

√ √ √
⇒ h1, 0|V̂ |1, 0i = Ah1, 0| âx + â†x




|1, 0i + 2|1, 2i = Ah1, 0| |0, 0i + 2|0, 2i + 2|2, 0i + 2|2, 2i = 0

2 √
→ h1, 0|V̂ |0, 1i = Ah1, 0| âx + â†x ây + â†y |0, 1i = Ah1, 0| âx + â†x ây + â†y (|0, 0i + 2|0, 2i)

√ √
⇒ h1, 0|V̂ |0, 1i = Ah1, 0| âx + â†x




|0, 1i + 6|0, 3i = Ah1, 0| |1, 1i + 6|1, 3i = 0

2 √
→ h0, 1|V̂ |0, 1i = Ah0, 1| âx + â†x ây + â†y |0, 1i = Ah0, 1| âx + â†x ây + â†y (|0, 0i + 2|0, 2i)

√ √
⇒ h0, 1|V̂ |0, 1i = Ah0, 1| âx + â†x




2|0, 1i + |0, 1i + 6|0, 3i = Ah0, 1| 2|1, 1i + |1, 1i + 6|1, 3i = 0

→ h0, 1|V̂ |1, 0i = (h1, 0|V̂ |0, 1i)† = 0

" #
h1, 0|V̂ |1, 0i h1, 0|V̂ |0, 1i
⇒V = =0
h0, 1|V̂ |1, 0i h0, 1|V̂ |0, 1i

The eigenvalues of this matrix (= 0) gives us the leading order energy correction ∆(1) .

Hence, the leading order correction to the 1st excited state energy level is 0.

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Name: Sri Krithika Advanced Quantum Mechanics
Date: 8/12/24 Assignment 3 Solutions

Q3.

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Name: Sri Krithika Advanced Quantum Mechanics
Date: 8/12/24 Assignment 3 Solutions

Q4. (a) The initial energy eigenstates: {|n, l = 1, m = −1i, |n, l = 1, m = 0i, |n, l = 1, m = 1i}

The perturbative potential introduced is: V̂ = λ(x̂2 − ŷ 2 )

Z Z
0
⇒ hn, l, m|V̂ |n, l, m0 i = 3
d xhn, l, m|V̂ |xihx|n, l, m i = λ d3 x(x2 −y 2 )hn, l, m|xihx|n, l, m0 i

Z 2π Z π Z ∞  
0
⇒ hn, l, m|V̂ |n, l, m0 i =λ dφ sin θdθ r2 dr r2 sin2 θ(cos2 φ − sin2 φ)|Rn,l |2 Ylm∗ Ylm
0 0 0
Z ∞ Z 2π Z π  
4 2 0
⇒ hn, l, m|V̂ |n, l, m0 i =λ r |Rn,l | dr dφ dθ cos(2φ) sin3 θYlm∗ Ylm
0 0 0

Z ∞ Z 2π Z π  
0
⇒ hn, l, m|V̂ |n, l, m0 i = λ r4 |Rn,l |2 dr dφ dθ cos(2φ) sin3 θYlm∗ Ylm
0 0 0
Z ∞ Z 2π Z π
4 2
dθ cos(2φ) sin3 θ|Y1±1 |2


→ hn, 1, ±1|V̂ |n, 1, ±1i = λ r |Rn,1 | dr dφ
0 0 0
Z ∞ Z π Z 2π
⇒ hn, 1, ±1|V̂ |n, 1, ±1i = λc21 r4 |Rn,1 |2 dr sin5 θdθ cos(2φ)dφ = 0
0 0 0
Z ∞ Z 2π Z π
4 2
dθ cos(2φ) sin3 θY10∗ Y1±1


→ hn, 1, 0|V̂ |n, 1, ±1i = λ r |Rn,1 | dr dφ
0 0 0
Z ∞ Z π Z 2π
⇒ hn, 1, 0|V̂ |n, 1, ±1i = λc0 c1 r4 |Rn,1 |2 dr sin3 θ cos θdθ cos(2φ)dφ = 0
0 0 0

→ hn, 1, ±1|V̂ |n, 1, 0i = (hn, 1, 0|V̂ |n, 1, ±1i)† = 0

Z ∞ Z 2π Z π
4 2
dθ cos(2φ) sin3 θ|Y10 |2


→ hn, 1, 0|V̂ |n, 1, 0i = λ r |Rn,1 | dr dφ
0 0 0
Z ∞ Z π Z 2π
⇒ hn, 1, 0|V̂ |n, 1, 0i = λc20 r4 |Rn,1 |2 dr sin3 θ cos θdθ cos(2φ)dφ = 0
0 0 0
Z ∞ Z 2π Z π
4 2
dθ cos(2φ) sin3 θY11∗ Y1−1


→ hn, 1, 1|V̂ |n, 1, −1i = λ r |Rn,1 | dr dφ
0 0 0
Z ∞ Z π Z 2π
⇒ hn, 1, 1|V̂ |n, 1, −1i = −λc21 4
r |Rn,1 | dr 2
sin θdθ 5
cos(2φ)e−2iφ dφ
0 0 0
Z ∞ Z π Z 2π
⇒ hn, 1, 1|V̂ |n, 1, −1i = −λc21 r4 |Rn,1 |2 dr sin5 θdθ cos2 (2φ)dφ = A 6= 0
0 0 0

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Name: Sri Krithika Advanced Quantum Mechanics
Date: 8/12/24 Assignment 3 Solutions

→ hn, 1, −1|V̂ |n, 1, 1i = (hn, 1, 1|V̂ |n, 1, ± − 1i)† = A ∈ R

 
hn, 1, 1|V̂ |n, 1, 1i hn, 1, 1|V̂ |n, 1, 0i hn, 1, 1|V̂ |n, 1, −1i
 
The perturbation matrix is: V (1) =  hn, 1, 0|V̂ |n, 1, 1i hn, 1, 0|V̂ |n, 1, 0i hn, 1, 0|V̂ |n, 1, −1i 


 
hn, 1, −1|V̂ |n, 1, 1i hn, 1, −1|V̂ |n, 1, 0i hn, 1, −1|V̂ |n, 1, −1i

0 0 A
From our computations above, we have: V (1) =  0 0 0 
A 0 0
     
1 1 0
The eigenvectors of this matrix which are: 0 ,
   0  , 1

1 −1 0

These represent the 0th order energy eigenstates that diagonalise the perturbation.
Hence, the 0th order energy eigenstates that diagonalise the perturbation are:

1
√ (|n, l = 1, m = 1i ± |n, l = 1, m = −1i) , |n, l = 1, m = 0i
2

Further note that the perturbation matrix has 3 eigenvalues ±A, 0.

This corresponds to 3 distinct values for the first order energy shifts ∆(1) .

Thus, the original threefold degeneracy is now completely removed.

(b) The energy eigenstates are:

1
→ |φ± i = √ (|n, l = 1, m = 1i ± |n, l = 1, m = −1i)
2
→ |φ0 i = |n, l = 1, m = 0i
Hence, the energy wave functions are:
Rn,1
Rn,1
Y11 ± Y1−1 = √


→ φ± (r, θ, φ) = √ Y11 ∓ Y11∗
2 2
→ φ0 (r, θ, φ) = Rn,1 Y10 ∈ R
The energy wave functions upon time-reversal are (complex-conjugate):

∗
 
Rn,1 Rn,1

→ φ± (r) → √ Y11 ∓ Y11∗ = √ Y11∗ ∓ Y11 = ∓φ± (r)
2 2

∗
→ φ0 (r) → Rn,1 Y10 = φ0 (r)
Thus, under time reversal we have: φ± (r) → ∓φ± (r) , φ0 (r) → φ0 (r)
Hence, under time reversal the energy wave-functions remain the same up to a phase difference.

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Name: Sri Krithika Advanced Quantum Mechanics
Date: 8/12/24 Assignment 3 Solutions

Q5. In the basis {|ψi i}, the Hamiltonian can be represented as:
     
E1 0 0 0 0 a E1 0 a
Ĥ0 =  0 E1 0  , V̂ =  0 0 b  ⇒ Ĥ = Ĥ0 + V̂ =  0 E1 b 
0 0 E2 a∗ b∗ 0 a∗ b∗ E2

Let λ denote the eigen-energies of the hamiltonian Ĥ.

 
E1 − λ 0 a
⇒ det 0 E1 − λ b  = (E1 − λ)((E1 − λ)(E2 − λ) − |b|2 ) − |a|2 (E1 − λ) = 0
a ∗ b∗ E2 − λ

⇒ (E1 − λ)(λ2 − (E1 + E2 )λ + E1 E2 − |b|2 − |a|2 ) = 0

p
E1 + E2 ± (E1 + E2 )2 − 4(E1 E2 − |b|2 − |a|2 )
⇒ λ = E1 ,
2
p
E1 + E2 ± (E1 − E2 )2 + 4|b|2 + 4|a|2
Hence, the energy eigenvalues are: λ0 = E1 , λ± =
2

In the case when |a|, |b| << 1, we get (up to second order in |a|, |b|):

2|b|2 + 2|a|2 E1 − E2 |b|2 + |a|2

   
E1 + E2 E1 − E2 E1 + E2
λ± ∼ ± 1+ = ± +
2 2 (E1 − E2 )2 2 2 E1 − E2

Thus, up to second order in |a|, |b|, we get:

|a|2 + |b|2 |a|2 + |b|2

   
λ0 = E1 , λ+ ∼ E1 − , λ− ∼ E2 +
E2 − E1 E2 − E1

Now, let’s compute the energy shifts perturbatively as follows:

• Energy level |ψ3 i with energy (non-degenerate) E2 :

The 1st order energy shift is: ∆(1) = hψ3 |V̂ |ψ3 i = 0

The 2st order energy shift is: ∆(2) = hψ3 |V̂ (E2 − Ĥ0 )−1 (|ψ1 ihψ1 | + |ψ2 ihψ2 |) V̂ |ψ3 i

⇒ ∆(2) = hψ3 |V̂ (E2 − Ĥ0 )−1 |ψ1 ihψ1 |V̂ |ψ3 i + hψ3 |V̂ (E2 − Ĥ0 )−1 |ψ2 ihψ2 |V̂ |ψ3 i

1   |a|2 + |b|2
⇒ ∆(2) = hψ3 |V̂ |ψ1 ihψ1 |V̂ |ψ3 i + hψ3 |V̂ |ψ2 ihψ2 |V̂ |ψ3 i =
E2 − E1 E2 − E1

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Name: Sri Krithika Advanced Quantum Mechanics
Date: 8/12/24 Assignment 3 Solutions

|a|2 + |b|2
Hence, the perturbation results in the new energy: E20 ∼ E2 +
E2 − E1

• Energy levels |ψ1 i, |ψ2 i with energy (degenerate) E1 :

" #
hψ1 |V̂ |ψ1 i hψ1 |V̂ |ψ2 i
 
0 0
∆(1) are the eigenvalues of the matrix: V (1) = =
hψ2 |V̂ |ψ1 i hψ2 |V̂ |ψ2 i 0 0

Hence, the 1st order energy shifts are 0.

|ψ3 i is the only state not in the degenerate E1 energy space.

Hence, ∆(2) are the eigenvalues of the matrix:

hψ1 |V̂ (E1 − Ĥ0 )−1 |ψ3 ihψ3 |V̂ |ψ1 i hψ1 |V̂ (E1 − Ĥ0 )−1 |ψ3 ihψ3 |V̂ |ψ2 i
" #
V (2) =
hψ2 |V̂ (E1 − Ĥ0 )−1 |ψ3 ihψ3 |V̂ |ψ1 i hψ2 |V̂ (E1 − Ĥ0 )−1 |ψ3 ihψ3 |V̂ |ψ2 i

|a| ab∗
" # " 2 #
1 hψ1 |V̂ |ψ3 ihψ3 |V̂ |ψ1 i hψ1 |V̂ |ψ3 ihψ3 |V̂ |ψ2 i 1
⇒ V (2) = =
E1 − E2 hψ2 |V̂ |ψ3 ihψ3 |V̂ |ψ1 i hψ2 |V̂ |ψ3 ihψ3 |V̂ |ψ2 i E1 − E2 ba∗ |b|2

|a|2
 
(2) ab∗
E1 −E2 − ∆ E1 −E2
⇒ det ∗ 2
 = 0
ba |b| (2)
E1 −E2 E1 −E2 − ∆

⇒ (|a|2 − (E1 − E2 )∆(2) )(|b|2 − (E1 − E2 )∆(2) ) − |a|2 |b|2 = 0

⇒ (E1 − E2 )(∆(2) )2 − (|a|2 + |b|2 )∆(2) = 0

|a|2 + |b|2
⇒ ∆(2) = 0 ,
E1 − E2
|a|2 + |b|2
Hence, the perturbation results in the new energies: E10 ∼ E1 , E100 ∼ E1 +
E1 − E2

Thus, up to second order in perturbations, initial energy levels E1 , E1 , E2 , become:

|a|2 + |b|2
 
→ Non-degenerate energy level E2 now has energy: E20 ∼ E2 +
E2 − E1
|a|2 + |b|2
 
→ Energy level E1 with degeneracy 2 now has energies: E10 ∼ E1 , E100 ∼ E1 −
E2 − E1

As we can see, the results from solving for the energy exactly and perturbatively match.

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Name: Sri Krithika Advanced Quantum Mechanics
Date: 8/12/24 Assignment 3 Solutions

Q6. (a) Since, the potential is radially symmetric, the wave function will be of the form ψ(r).

−~2 d l(l + 1)~2 ψ

 
dψ
ψ(r) satisfies the radial Schrödinger eqn: r2 +
+ V ψ = Eψ
2mr2 dr dr 2mr2
−~2 d
 
u(r) du
Let: ψ(r) = ⇒ For s-states i.e. l = 0, we get: r − u +V u = Eu
r 2mr dr dr
−~2 d2 u
⇒ + V u = Eu
2m dr2
du
Multiplying throughout by u0 = gives:
dr
−~2 0 00 −~2 d(u0 )2 1 d(V u2 ) u2 dV E d(u2 )
u u + V uu0 = Euu0 ⇒ + − =
2m 4m dr 2 dr 2 dr 2 dr
Integrating both sides w.r.t r from 0 to ∞ gives us:
∞ ∞
−~2 (u0 )2
  Z 
2 dV
+ V u2 − Eu2 = u dr
2m 0 0 dr

Since the wave function vanishes at the boundaries (r → ∞) and is well defined at r = 0.
u(r)
→ lim ψ(r) = 0 ⇒ lim =0 ⇒ lim u(r) = 0
r→∞ r→∞ r r→∞

u(r)
→ lim ψ(r) = lim does not diverge ⇒ lim u(r) = 0
r→0 r
r→0 r→0

∞ Z ∞
−~2 (u0 )2

2 dV
⇒ = u dr
2m 0 0 dr

We know that: u(r) = rψ(r)

∞ ∞ ∞
−~2 −~2 2 02
Z
(rψ 0 + ψ)2 (r ψ + ψ 2 + 2rψ 0 ψ) r2 ψ 2 V 0 dr


⇒ = =
2m 0 2m 0 0

Since the wave function vanishes at the boundaries we have: lim ψ(r) = lim ψ 0 (r) = 0
r→∞ r→∞
∞ 0 (r)i
~2 hV
Z Z
1
ψ 2 (0) = r2 ψ 2 V 0 dr = d3 r |ψ(r)|2 V 0 (r) =


⇒
2m 0 4π 4π
mhV 0 (r)i
⇒ |ψ(0)|2 =
2π~2

∴ |ψ(0)|2 ∝ h dV
dr i

This holds for all s-states.

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Name: Sri Krithika Advanced Quantum Mechanics
Date: 8/12/24 Assignment 3 Solutions

(b) • 3-dimensional isotropic harmonic oscillator:

mω 2 x2 mω 2 y 2 mω 2 z 2 mω 2 r2
Here, the potential is: V (x, y, z) = + + ⇒ V (r) =
2 2 2 2
2 /2~ 2 /2~ 2 /2~
The ground state (nx = ny = nz = 0) wave function is: ψ0 (x, y, z) = N e−mωx e−mωy e−mωz

2 −mω
⇒ ψ0 (r) = N e−ar where: N is the normalisation factor , a =
2~
Z Z Z ∞
0 −2ar2 2
hV 0 (r)i = 3 2
d r |ψ0 (r)| V (r) = mω N 2 2 3
d re r = 4πmω N 2 2
e−2ar r3 dr
0
Z ∞ Z ∞  
0 (r)i −2at d 2 2 −2at d 2 2 1
⇒ hV = 2πmω 2 N 2 e tdt = −πmω N e dt = −πmω N
0 da 0 da 2a
πmω 2 N 2 2π~2 N 2
⇒ hV 0 (r)i = =
2a2 m
mhV 0 (r)i mhV 0 (r)i
⇒ = N 2 = |ψ(0)|2 ⇒ |ψ(0)|2 =
2π~2 2π~2

• Hydrogen atom:

−e2
The potential is: V (r) = , Ground state wave function is: ψ0 (r) = N e−r/a
r
~2
Here: N is the normalisation factor , a =
me2
∞
e−2r/a
Z Z Z
0
hV 0 (r)i = 3 2
d r |ψ0 (r)| V (r) = e N 2 2
d r 3
= 4πe2 N 2 e−2r/a dr = 2πe2 N 2 a
r2 0

2π~2 N 2 mhV 0 (r)i mhV 0 (r)i

⇒ hV 0 (r)i = ⇒ = N 2 = |ψ(0)|2 ⇒ |ψ(0)|2 =
m 2π~2 2π~2

Thus, in both cases, the relation from part-a is satisfied.

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Name: Sri Krithika Advanced Quantum Mechanics
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Q7. We have the Hamiltonian Ĥ = Ĥ0 + V̂ where: Ĥ0 = AL̂2 + B L̂z , V̂ = C L̂y

Eigenstate |l, mi of Ĥ0 has corresponding energy: El,m = Al(l + 1)~2 + Bm~

C 
→ ∆(1) = hl, m|V̂ |l, mi = Chl, m|L̂y |l, mi = hl, m|L̂+ |l, mi − hl, m|L̂− |l, mi
2i
p
→ hl, m|L̂+ |l, mi = ~ (l − m)(l + m + 1)hl, m|l, m + 1i = 0

p
→ hl, m|L̂− |l, mi = ~ (l + m)(l − m + 1)hl, m|l, m − 1i = 0

Thus, the 1st order energy shift is: ∆(1) = 0

X X |hl0 , m0 |L̂y |l, mi|2

→ ∆(2) = hl, m|V̂ (El,m −Ĥ0 )−1 |l0 , m0 ihl0 , m0 |V̂ |l, mi = C 2
(El,m − El0 ,m0 )
(l0 ,m0 )6=(l,m) (l0 ,m0 )6=(l,m)

C2 X |hl0 , m0 |L̂+ |l, mi − hl0 , m0 |L̂− |l, mi|2

⇒ ∆(2) =
4 (El,m − El0 ,m0 )
(l0 ,m0 )6=(l,m)
p p
~2 C 2 X |δl0 ,l δm0 ,m+1 (l − m)(l + m + 1) − δl0 ,l δm0 ,m−1 (l + m)(l − m + 1)|2
⇒ ∆(2) =
4 (El,m − El0 ,m0 )
(l0 ,m0 )6=(l,m)

~2 C 2
 
(l − m)(l + m + 1) (l + m)(l − m + 1)
⇒ ∆(2) = +
4 El,m − El,m+1 El,m − El,m−1

~C 2 ~C 2 m
⇒ ∆(2) = (−(l − m)(l + m + 1) + (l + m)(l − m + 1)) =
4B 2B

~C 2 m
Thus, the 2nd order energy shift is: ∆(2) =
2B
0
The energy eigenvalues of Ĥ are: El,m = El,m + ∆(1) + ∆(2) + O(C 3 )

0
Hence, up to second order in C, energy eigenvalues El,m of Ĥ are:

0 C2
El,m ∼ Al(l + 1)~2 + Bm~ + m~
2B

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Name: Sri Krithika Advanced Quantum Mechanics
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(0)
Q8. For t < 0, Ĥ = Ĥ0 has energy states |n(0) i with energy En .

∞
X
Let the state of the particle at some time t > 0 be: |ψi = cn (t)|n(0) i
n=0

Hence, the probability (not normalised) that the particle is in state |n(0) i is: |cn (t)|2

(0)
Initially, the particle is in the state |i(0) i. ⇒ cn = δn,i

t (0) (0)
−i Ea − Eb
Z
(1) 0
The first order approximation is: cn = hn(0) |V̂ (t0 )|i(0) ieiωni t dt0 , ωab =
~ 0 ~
t t
−i −ivn,i
Z Z
(1) 0 iωni t0 0 0 0 0
⇒ cn = hn (0) (0)
|v|i i cos(ωt )e dt = (eiωt + e−iωt )eiωni t dt0
~ 0 2~ 0

0 0
!t !
(1) −ivn,i ei(ω+ωni )t ei(ωni −ω)t −vn,i ei(ω+ωni )t − 1 ei(ωni −ω)t − 1
⇒ cn = + = +
2~ i(ω + ωni ) i(ωni − ω) 2~ ω + ωni ωni − ω
0

(1) −vn,i
ωni eiωni t cos(ωt) − iωeiωni t sin(ωt) − ωni


⇒ cn = 2 2
~(ωni − ω )

−vn,i iωni t cos(ωt) − iωeiωni t sin(ωt) − ω

⇒ cn (t) ∼ δn,i + 2 ωni e ni
~(ωni − ω 2 )

(0) (0)
2 En − Ei
The states with highest weights are those with: ωni ∼ ω2 ⇒ ∼ ±ω
~
(0) (0)
⇒ En ∼ Ei ± ~ω

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Name: Sri Krithika Advanced Quantum Mechanics
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1
Q9. For t < 0, Ĥ has energy states |ni with energy: En = n + ~ω , n ∈ {0, 1, ..}
2
∞
X
Let the state of the particle at some time t > 0 be: |ψi = cn (t)|ni
n=0

Hence, the probability that the particle is found in the excited state |n 6= 0i is: |cn (t)|2

(0)
Initially, the particle is in the ground state |0i. ⇒ cn = δn,0 = 0

t
−i
Z
(1) 0
The first order approximation is: cn = hn|V̂ (t0 )|0iei(En −E0 )t /~ dt0
~ 0

t  Z t
−iA −iA
Z  2
(1) −t0 /τ inωt0 0 ~ 0 0
⇒ cn = 2
hn|x̂ |0ie e dt = hn| â + ↠|0ie−t /τ einωt dt0
~ 0 ~ 2mω 0

(1) −iA
Z t 
†

−t0 /τ inωt0 0−iA
Z t  √  0
⇒ cn = hn| â + â |1ie e dt = hn| |0i + 2|2i et (inω−1/τ ) dt0
2mω 0 2mω 0

√
0
!t !
(1) −iA δn,0 + 2δn,2 et (inω−1/τ ) −iAδn,2 et(inω−1/τ ) − 1
⇒ cn = = √
2mω inω − 1/τ mω 2 inω − 1/τ
0
!
(0) (1) −iAδn,2 et(inω−1/τ ) − 1
Hence, up to first order in perturbation, we have: cn (t) ∼ cn (t)+cn (t) = √
mω 2 inω − 1/τ
!
Aδn,2 (−nω + i/τ ) e−t/τ cos(ntω) + ie−t/τ sin(ntω) − 1
⇒ cn (t) ∼ √
mω 2 n2 ω 2 + 1/τ 2

A2 δn,2 (e−t/τ cos(ntω) − 1)2 + e−2t/τ sin2 (ntω)

⇒ |cn (t)|2 ∼
2m2 ω 2 (n2 ω 2 + 1/τ 2 )

A2 δn,2
For sufficiently long enough times i.e. t/τ → ∞, we get: |cn (t)|2 ∼
2m ω (n2 ω 2 +
2 2 1/τ 2 )

Thus, the probability that after time t >> τ , the particle transitions to an excited state is:

A2 τ 2 δn,2
∴ |cn (t)|2 ∼
2m2 ω 2 (1 + n2 ω 2 τ 2 )
A2 τ 2
This value is non-zero only for n = 2, in which case we get: |c2 (t)|2 ∼
2m2 ω 2 (1 + 4ω 2 τ 2 )

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Q10. For t < 0, Ĥ has energy states |φ1 i, |φ2 i with energy E1 , E2 , respectively.

Let the state of the system at some time t > 0 be: |ψi = c1 (t)|φ1 i + c2 (t)|φ2 i

Hence, the probability that the system is found in state |φ2 i after time t is: |c2 (t)|2

(0)
Initially, the particle is in the state |φ1 i. ⇒ c2 = δ2,1 = 0

−i t E2 − E1
Z
(1) 0
The first order approximation is: c2 = hφ2 |V̂ (t0 )|φ1 ieiω0 t dt0 , ω0 =
~ 0 ~

−iλ t −iλ t iωt0

Z Z
(1) 0 iω0 t0 0 0 0
⇒ c2 = cos(ωt )e dt = (e + e−iωt )eiω0 t dt0 [ω 6= |ω0 |]
~ 0 2~ 0
0 t
" 0
# " #
(1) −λ ei(ω0 +ω)t ei(ω0 −ω)t −iλ ei(ω0 +ω)t − 1 ei(ω0 −ω)t − 1
⇒ c2 = + = +
2~ ω0 + ω ω0 − ω 2~ ω0 + ω ω0 − ω
0

(1) −λ  iω t 
⇒ c2 = e 0 (ω cos(ωt) − iω sin(ωt)) − ω
0 0
~(ω02 − ω 2 )

(1) −λ
⇒ c2 = ~(ω02 −ω 2 )
[ω0 cos(ω0 t) cos(ωt) + ω sin(ω0 t) sin(ωt) − iω cos(ω0 t) sin(ωt) + iω0 sin(ω0 t) cos(ωt) − ω0 ]

(0) (1) (1)

Up to first order in perturbation, we have: c2 (t) ∼ c2 (t) + c2 (t) = c2 (t)

λ2
 
⇒ |c2 (t)|2 ∼ ~2 (ω02 −ω 2 )2
(ω0 cos(ω0 t) cos(ωt) + ω sin(ω0 t) sin(ωt) − ω0 )2 + (ω0 sin(ω0 t) cos(ωt) − ω cos(ω0 t) sin(ωt))2

 
E2 − E1
Thus, the probability that the system is found in state |φ2 i after time t is ω0 = :
~

λ2
|c2 (t)|2 ∼ ω0 cos2 (ωt) + ω 2 sin2 (ωt) + ω02 − 2ω02 cos(ω0 t) cos(ωt) − 2ω0 ω sin(ω0 t) sin(ωt)
 2 
2 2 2
~ (ω0 − ω ) 2

This is not valid when |E2 − E1 | ∼ ω i.e. |ω0 | ∼ ω since this expression blows up (resonance).

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Name: Sri Krithika Advanced Quantum Mechanics
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Q11.

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 Name: Sri Krithika Advanced Quantum Mechanics
Date: 8/12/24 Assignment 3 Solutions

−m(2π)3/2
Z
0 0
Q12. (a) We have: f (k0 , k) = d3 x0 e−ik ·x V (r0 )hx0 |ψ + i [where: r0 = |x0 | ]
2π~2
First-order Born approximation assumes that the effect of the scatterer is not very strong.
0
eik·x
⇒ hx0 |ψ + i ∼ hx0 |ki =
(2π)3/2
−m −m
Z Z
0 0 0 0 0
⇒ f (k0 , k) = d3 x0 e−ik ·x eik·x V (r0 ) = d3 x0 eix ·(k−k ) V (r0 )
2π~2 2π~2

m2
Z  Z 
dσ 0 2 3 0 ix0 ·(k−k0 ) 0 3 −ix·(k−k0 )
⇒ = |f (k , k)| = 2 4 d xe V (r ) d xe V (r)
dΩ 4π ~

m2
Z Z
dσ 0 0
⇒ = 2 4 d x d3 x0 ei(x −x)·(k−k ) V (r0 )V (r)
3
[ where: r = |x| ]
dΩ 4π ~

m2
Z Z Z Z
dσ 0 0 0
⇒ σtot = dΩ = 2 4 dΩk0 d x d3 x0 e−i(x −x)·k ei(x −x)·k V (r0 )V (r)
3
dΩ 4π ~

Let’s take the z-axis to be along the vector x0 − x.

Also, let φ, θ be the angles made by k0 with the z-axis and x-axis respectively.
dΩ denotes the solid angle element of vector k0 i.e. we have: dΩk0 = sin φdθdφ
Moreover, due to energy conservation, we know that: |k0 | = |k| = k
Z 2π Z π
m2
Z Z
0 0
⇒ σtot = 2 4 dθ sin φdφ d x d3 x0 e−i|x −x|k cos φ ei(x −x)·k V (r0 )V (r)
3
4π ~ 0 0
Z 1 Z
m2
Z
0 0
⇒ σtot = 4
dt d3
x d3 x0 e−i|x −x|kt ei(x −x)·k V (r0 )V (r) [took: t = cos φ]
2π~ −1
" 0
#t=1
m2 e−i|x −x|kt
Z Z
0
⇒ σtot = d3 x d3 x0 ei(x −x)·k V (r0 )V (r)
2π~4 −i|x0 − x|k
t=−1
" 0 0
#
m2 e−i|x −x|k − ei|x −x|k i(x0 −x)·k
Z Z
⇒ σtot = d3 x d3 x0 e V (r0 )V (r)
2π~4 −i|x0 − x|k

m2 sin(k|x0 − x|) i(x0 −x)·k

Z Z  
3 0
⇒ σtot = 3
d x d x e V (r0 )V (r)
π~4 k|x0 − x|

Let’s further assume that every spatial direction x0 −x contributes equally to the integral.
I.e. let’s assume that the potential V is spherically symmetric.
0
Then, we can approximate ei(x −x)·k to be the average value over all directions of k.

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Name: Sri Krithika Advanced Quantum Mechanics
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Z Z 2π Z π
0
i(x0 −x)·k
dΩk e dθ sin φdφei|x −x|k cos φ
⇒e i(x0 −x)·k ∼ he i(x0 −x)·k i= Z = 0 0
Z 2π Z π
dΩk dθ sin φdφ
0 0
" 0 0
#
1
1 ei|x −x|kt − e−i|x −x|k sin(k|x0 − x|)
Z
0 2π i|x0 −x|kt
⇒ ei(x −x)·k ∼ dte = =
4π −1 2 i|x0 − x|k k|x0 − x|
2
m2 sin(k|x0 − x|)
Z Z 
3 0
⇒ σtot ∼ 3
d x d x V (r0 )V (r)
π~4 k|x0 − x|

m2 sin2 (k|x0 − x|)

Z Z
∴ σtot ∼ d3 x d3 x0 V (r0 )V (r)
π~4 k 2 |x0 − x|2

(b) We know that: |ψ + i = |φi + (E + Ĥ0 + iε)−1 V̂ |ψ + i , V̂ |ψ + i = T̂ |φi

⇒ T̂ |φi = V̂ |ψ + i = V̂ |φi+ V̂ (E + Ĥ0 +iε)−1 T̂ |φi ⇒ T̂ = V̂ + V̂ (E + Ĥ0 +iε)−1 T̂

Note that the above equation is an iterative relation.

 
⇒ T̂ = V̂ + V̂ (E + Ĥ0 + iε)−1 T̂ = V̂ + V̂ (E + Ĥ0 + iε)−1 V̂ + V̂ (E + Ĥ0 + iε)−1 T̂

The second-order Born approximation i.e. up to order O(V 2 ), is:

T̂ ∼ V̂ + V̂ (E + Ĥ0 + iε)−1 V̂

−m(2π)3/2 −m(2π)3
Z Z
3 0 −ik0 ·x0 0 0
We have: f (k0 , k) = d xe V (r )hx |ψ i = +
d3 x0 hk0 |x0 ihx0 |V̂ |ψ + i
2π~2 2π~2

−4mπ 2 0 2
+ i = −4mπ hk0 |T̂ |φi
⇒ f (k0 , k) = hk |V̂ |ψ
~2 ~2
−4mπ 2 0
⇒ f (k0 , k) ∼ hk |V̂ +V̂ (E+Ĥ0 +iε)−1 V̂ |φi (2nd order Born approximation)
~2

Note that |φi = |ki. In forward scattering: k0 = k i.e. the angle θ between k0 , k is 0

−4mπ 2  −1 V̂ |ki

⇒ f (θ = 0) ∼ hk|V̂ |ki + hk|V̂ (E + Ĥ0 + iε)
~2

Since, V̂ † = V̂ , we have: 2Im[hk|V̂ |ki] = hk|V̂ |ki − hk|V̂ † |ki = 0

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Name: Sri Krithika Advanced Quantum Mechanics
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−4mπ 2
⇒ Im[f (θ = 0)] ∼ Im[hk|V̂ (E + Ĥ0 + iε)−1 V̂ |ki]
~2
kσtot
The optical theorem states that: Im[f (θ = 0)] =
4π
−16mπ 3
⇒ σtot ∼ Im[hk|V̂ (E + Ĥ0 + iε)−1 V̂ |ki]
k~2

−16mπ 3
Z Z 
3 3 0 0 0 −1
⇒ σtot ∼ Im d x d x hk|V̂ |x ihx |(E + Ĥ0 + iε) |xihx|V̂ |ki
k~2

−16mπ 3
Z Z 
3 3 0 0 0 −1 0
⇒ σtot ∼ Im d x d x V (r )V (r)hx |(E + Ĥ0 + iε) |xihk|x ihx|ki
k~2
0
−meik|x −x|
We know that: hx0 |(E + Ĥ0 + iε)−1 |xi =
2π~2 |x0 − x|
"Z 0
#
8m2 π 2 eik|x −x| −ik·x0 ix·k
Z
⇒ σtot ∼ 4 Im d3 x d3 x0 V (r0 )V (r) e e
~ (2π)3 k|x0 − x|

0 0 sin(k|x0 − x|)
As seen in part-a, we can approximate: ei(x−x )·k ∼ hei(x−x )·k i =
k|x0 − x|
"Z 0
#
m2 eik|x −x|
Z
3 0 0
⇒ σtot ∼ Im d x 3
d x V (r )V (r) 2 0 sin(k|x0 − x|)
π~4 k |x − x|2

m2 [cos(k|x0 − x|) + i sin(k|x0 − x|)]

Z Z 
3 3 0 0 0
⇒ σtot ∼ Im d x d x V (r )V (r) sin(k|x − x|)
π~4 k 2 |x0 − x|2

m2 sin2 (k|x0 − x|)

Z Z
∴ σtot ∼ 3
d x d3 x0 V (r0 )V (r)
π~4 k 2 |x0 − x|2

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 Name: Sri Krithika Advanced Quantum Mechanics
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~2
Q13. Green’s function’s for Helmholtz eqn is: G+ (x, x0 ) = hx|(E + Ĥ0 + iε)−1 |x0 i
2m

∇2 + k 2 G+ (x, x0 ) = δ 3 (x − x0 )


The Green’s function satisfies: (*)

∞ l
δ(r − r0 ) X X m∗ 0 0 m
In spherical coordinates, we have: δ 3 (x − x0 ) = Yl (θ , φ )Yl (θ, φ)
r2
l=0 m=−l

We can further expand G+ in the spherical harmonic basis as follows:

∞ X
X l
G+ (x, x0 ) = gl (r, r0 )Ylm∗ (θ0 , φ0 )Ylm (θ, φ)
l=0 m=−l

Hence, the equation (∗) in spherical coordinates is:

∞ X
l ∞ l
δ(r − r0 ) X X m∗ 0 0 m
 2 
X d 2 d l(l + 1) 2 0 m∗ 0 0 m
+ − + k gl (r, r )Y l (θ , φ )Yl (θ, φ) = Yl (θ , φ )Yl (θ, φ)
dr2 r dr r2 r2
l=0 m=−l l=0 m=−l

d2 0
 
⇒ +
2 d
−
l(l + 1)
+ k 2 g (r, r 0 ) = δ(r − r )
l
dr2 r dr r2 r2

d2
 
d
⇒ r 2 + 2r + (k r − l(l + 1)) gl (r, r0 ) = δ(r − r0 )
2 2
dr2 dr

gl is finite at the origin r = 0 and at infinity r → ∞.

(1)
∴ the spherical Bessel functions jl (kr), hl (kr) are solutions to this equation when r 6= r0 .



A(r0 )jl (kr) r < r0

(1)
⇒ gl (r, r0 ) = B(r0 )hl (kr) r > r0

r = r0

g(r, r)


(1)
Continuity at r = r0 implies that: B(r0 )hl (kr0 ) = A(r0 )jl (kr0 )

(1)
Since {jl (kr), hl (kr)} are linearly independent, we get (for some constant A):

(1)
A(r0 ) = Ahl (kr0 ) , B(r0 ) = Ajl (kr0 )

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Name: Sri Krithika Advanced Quantum Mechanics
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
(1)
Ahl (kr0 )jl (kr)

 r ≤ r0

(1)
⇒ gl (r, r0 ) = Ajl (kr0 )hl (kr) r > r0

r = r0

g(r, r)


(1)
⇒ g(r, r0 ) = Ajl (kr< )hl (kr> )

Integrating our DE between r0 ±  w.r.t r gives us:

Z r0 +     Z r0 +
d 2 d 0
⇒ r 2 2
+ (k r − l(l + 1)) gl (r, r )dr = δ(r − r0 )dr = 1
r0 − dr dr 0
r −

R r0 +
Since gl is a continuous function, r0 − gl dr → 0 as  → 0.

r0 +
2 dgl
⇒ lim r =1
→0 dr r0 −

(1)
!
dh (kr0 ) (1) djl (kr 0) 
(1)

⇒ r02 Ajl (kr0 ) l 0 − Ahl (kr0 ) = r02 AW jl (kr0 ), hl (kr0 ) = 1
dr dr0

i
We know that the Wronskian is:
kr02
(1)
⇒ A = −ik ⇒ g(r, r0 ) = −ikjl (kr< )hl (kr> )

∞ X
l ∞ X
l
(1)
X X
⇒ G+ (x, x0 ) = gl (r, r0 )Ylm∗ (θ0 , φ0 )Ylm (θ, φ) = −ik Ylm∗ (θ0 , φ0 )Ylm (θ, φ)jl (kr< )hl (kr> )
l=0 m=−l l=0 m=−l

∞ X
l
(1)
X
⇒ G+ (x, x0 ) = −ik Ylm∗ (r̂0 )Ylm (r̂)jl (kr< )hl (kr> )
l=0 m=−l

22