Quantum Mechanics I / Quantum theory I.

17 November, 2015

Assignment 4: Solution
1. Consider the case where j = 3/2.

(a) Find the matrices representing the operators Jˆ2 , Jˆz , Jˆ± , Jˆx and Jˆy . Mention the
basis which is used for representation.

(b) Find the joint eigenstates of Jˆ2 and Jˆz and verify that they form an orthonormal
and complete basis.

(c) Use the matrices of Jˆx , Jˆy and Jˆz to calculate [Jˆx , Jˆy ], [Jˆy , Jˆz ], and [Jˆz , Jˆx ].

(d) If the Hamiltonian for a spin 3/2 particle is given by,

Ĥ = ω0 Ŝx
 
and at a time t = 0, |ψ(0) = |3/2, 3/2 . Determine the probability that the

particle is in the state |3/2, −3/2 at time t. Evaluate this probability when
t = π/ω0 and explain your result.

Answer

(a) All matrices are written in the {|j, mj } basis. Matrix for Jˆ2 .


The joint eigenstates of Jˆ2 and Jˆz are |3/2, 3/2 , |3/2, 1/2 , |3/2, −1/2 , |3/2, −3/2 .
   

Using,

Jˆ2 |j, mj = ~2 j(j + 1)|j, mj ,

 

we obtain
 
1 0 0 0
 
15~2 0 1 0 0
Jˆ2 = .
 
4

0 0 1 0
 
0 0 0 1

Similarly Jˆz .

 
3 0 0 0
 

~ 0 1 0 0 
ˆ
Jz =  .

2 0 0 −1 0 

 
0 0 0 −3

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Quantum Mechanics I / Quantum theory I. 17 November, 2015

Matrix for Jˆ+ .

We have
q
Jˆ+ |j, mj
 
= ~ j(j + 1) − mj (mj + 1)|j, mj + 1
Jˆ+ |3/2, 3/2 = 0

√
Jˆ+ |3/2, 1/2 = ~ 3|3/2, 3/2
 

Similarly

Jˆ+ |3/2, −1/2 = ~2|3/2, 1/2

 
√
Jˆ+ |3/2, −3/2 = ~ 3|3/2, −1/2
 

So,
 √ 
0 3 0 0
 
0 0 2 0 
Jˆ+ = ~  √ .
 
0 0 0 3
 
0 0 0 0

Similarly Jˆ− .

q
ˆ
 
J− |j, mj = ~ j(j + 1) − mj (mj − 1)|j, mj − 1

so,
 
0 0 0 0
√ 
 3 0 0 0
ˆ
J− = ~ 

.

 0 2 0 0
√
 
0 0 3 0

Matrix for Jˆx .

ˆ ˆ
Given Jˆx = J+ +J− 2
√ 
0 3 0 0
√ 
 3 0 2
~ 0 
Jˆx =  √ .

2 0 2 0 3
√
 
0 0 3 0

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Quantum Mechanics I / Quantum theory I. 17 November, 2015

Jˆ+ −Jˆ−
Similarly Jˆy = 2i
 √ 
0 3 0 0
 √ 
ˆ ~ − 3 0 2 0 
Jy = √ .

2i  0 −2 0

3
√
 
0 0 − 3 0

(b) The joint eigenstates are |j, mj with eigenvalues given below.

Eigenstates Eigenvalues of Jˆ2 EigenvaluesJˆz

15~2 3~

|3/2, 3/2 4 2
15~2

|3/2, 3/2 4
~
2
15~2

|3/2, −1/2 4
− ~2
15~2
− 3~

|3/2, −3/2 4 2

(c)

Jˆx , Jˆy = i~Jˆz ,

 

Jˆy , Jˆz = i~Jˆx ,

 

Jˆz , Jˆx = i~Jˆy ,

 

Check these out for yourself.

(d) We have Ĥ = ωo Sˆx . In order to find the time evolution, we need to evaluate

|ψ(t) = e−iĤt/~ |3/2, 3/2 ,

 

ˆ
= e−iωo Sx t/~ |3/2, 3/2 .



In order to proceed further, we need to express |3/2, 3/2 in term of eigenstates
of Sˆx . So we first find the eigenstates.The eigenvalues of Sˆx (or Sˆy or Sˆz ) are
3~ ~ −~ −3~
clearly , , , 2 .
2 2 2
3~
For 2

 √    
0 3 0 0 e1 e1
 √    
~− 3 0 2 0   e2  3~  e2 
   
√   =
2  0 −2 0 2  e3 
  
3  e3 
√
    
0 0 3 0 e4 e4

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Quantum Mechanics I / Quantum theory I. 17 November, 2015

√ √
3e2 = 3e1 ⇒ e2 = 3e1
√ √ √ √
3e1 + 2e3 = 3e2 ⇒ 3e1 + 2e3 = 3e1 ⇒ e3 = 3e1
√ √
3e3 = 3e4 ⇒ e3 = 3e4
 
1
√ 
 3
This implies that the eigenstate is  √  which after normalized eigenstate is
 
 3
 
1
 
1
√ 
 3
|φ1 = 2√1 2  √ .
  
 3
 
1
For ~2
 √    
0 3 0 0 e1 e1
 √    
− 3 0 2 0 
~ e  ~e 
2  2
√   =  
 
2  0 −2 0   2  e3 

  e3 
3
√
  
0 0 3 0 e4 e4

√ 1
3e2 = e1 ⇒ e2 = √ e1
3
√ √ 1 1
3e1 + 2e3 = e2 ⇒ 3e1 + 2e3 = √ e1 ⇒ e3 = − √ e1
3 3
√ 1
3e3 = e4 ⇒ e3 = √ e4
3
 
1
 
 √3  √1 
Hence the normalized eigenstate is |φ2 = 2√2  3 .
 
 − √1 
 3 
−1
−~
For 2
 √    
0 3 0 0 e1 e1
 √    
~− 3 0 2 0   e2  −~  e2 
   
√   =
2  0 −2 0 2  e3 
  
3  e3 
√
    
0 0 3 0 e4 e4

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Quantum Mechanics I / Quantum theory I. 17 November, 2015

√ 1
3e2 = −e1 ⇒e2 = − √ e1
3
√ √ 1 1
3e1 + 2e3 = −e2 ⇒ 3e1 + 2e3 = √ e1 ⇒ e3 = − √ e1
3 3
√ √
3e3 = −e4 ⇒ e4 = − 3e3
 
1
 
 √3  − √1 
3 
Hence the normalized eigenstate is |φ3 = 2√2  .

 − √1 
 3 
1
For −3~
2

 √    
0 3 0 0 e1 e1
 √    
~− 3 0 2 0   e2  −3~  e2 
   
√   =
2  0 −2 0 2  e3 
  
3  e3 
√
    
0 0 3 0 e4 e4

√ √
3e2 = −3e1 ⇒e2 = − 3e1
√ √ √ √
3e1 + 2e3 = −3e2 ⇒ 3e1 + 2e3 = 3 3e1 ⇒ e3 = 3e1
√ √
3e3 = −3e4 ⇒ e3 = − 3e4
 
1
√ 
 −3 
Hence the normalized eigenstate is |φ4 = 2√1 2  √ .
  
 3 
 
−1

1  √  √  

|φ1 √ = |3/2, 3/2 + 3|3/2, 1/2 + 3|3/2, −1/2 +|3/2, −3/2 ,
2 2
√
 3  1  1  

|φ2 = √ |3/2, 3/2 + √ |3/2, 1/2 − √ |3/2, −1/2 +|3/2, −3/2 ,
2 2 3 3
√
 3  1  1  

|φ3 = √ |3/2, 3/2 − √ |3/2, 1/2 − √ |3/2, −1/2 +|3/2, −3/2 ,
2 2 3 3
 1  √  √  

|φ4 = √ |3/2, 3/2 − 3|3/2, 1/2 + 3|3/2, −1/2 −|3/2, −3/2 ,
2 2

This immediately allows us to write the similarity transform Ŵ going from the

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Quantum Mechanics I / Quantum theory I. 17 November, 2015

 
{|φ } basis to the {|j, m } basis.





3/2, 3/2|ψ1 i 3/2, 3/2|ψ2 i 3/2, 3/2|ψ3 i 3/2, 3/2|ψ4 i





 3/2, 1/2|ψ i 3/2, 1/2|ψ2 i 3/2, 1/2|ψ3 i 3/2, 1/2|ψ4 i 
1
Ŵ = 
,
 

 3/2, −1/2|ψ1 i 3/2, −1/2|ψ2 i

 3/2, −1/2|ψ3 i 3/2, −1/2|ψ4 i 

3/2, −3/2|ψ1 i 3/2, −3/2|ψ2 i 3/2, −3/2|ψ3 i 3/2, −3/2|ψ4 i

 √ √ 
1 3 3 1
√
 3 1 −1 −√3 

= √ √ .
 
 3 −1 −1 3 
√ √
 
1 − 3 3 −1
 
The matrix that takes one from the {|j, m } to the {|φ } basis will simply be
Ŵ † = Ŵ −1 .
 √ √ 
1 3 3 1
√ √ 
1  3 1 −1 − 3
Ŵ † = Ŵ −1 = √ √ √ .
 
2 2  3 −1 −1
 3 
√ √

1 − 3 3 −1

(Check if Ŵ is unitary!).
 
Hence |3/2, 3/2 when transformed to the {|φ } basis becomes,
 
1
 
 0
|3/2, 3/2 = Ŵ   ,
 
0
 
0
 √ √  
1 3 3 1 1
√ √  
1  3 1 −1 − 3   0 
 
= √ √ √  ,
2 2 3 −1 −1 3   0 
 
√ √

1 − 3 3 −1 0
 
1
√ 
1  3

= √  √ ,
2 2 3


1
1  √  √  

= √ |φ1 + 3|φ2 + 3|φ3 +|φ4
2 2

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Quantum Mechanics I / Quantum theory I. 17 November, 2015

We have expressed |3/2, 3/2 in term of the eigenstates of Sˆx enabling it to



compute the time evolution.

Hence,

ˆ
|ψ(t) = e−iωo Sx t/~ |3/2, 3/2 ,
 

1 ˆ  √  √
= √ e−iωo Sx t/~ 1|φ1 + 3|φ2 + 3|φ3 +1|φ4 ,
 

2 2
1  √  √
= √ e−iωo t3/2 |φ1 + 3e−iωo t/2 |φ2 + 3eiωo t/2 |φ3 +eiωo t3/2 |φ4 ,
 

2 2

 
Expressing |3/2, −3/2 in the {|φ } basis, we have
√ √  
1 3 3 1 0
√ √  
1  3 1 −1 − 3   0 
  
|3/2, −3/2 = √  √ √  ,
2 2 3 −1 −1 3  0 
 
√ √

1 − 3 3 −1 1
 
1
 √ 
1 − 3

= √  √ ,
2 2 3 


−1
1  √  √  

= √ |φ1 − 3|φ2 + 3|φ3 −|φ4
2 2
Calculating the probability amplitude

1 √
√
 √  √
3 φ2 | + 3 φ3 | − φ4 | e−iωo t3/2 |φ1 + 3e−iωo t/2 |φ2 + 3eiω





3/2, −3/2|ψ(t)i = φ1 | −
8
1
e−iωo t3/2 − 3e−iωo t/2 + 3eiωo t/2 − eiωo t3/2 ,


=
8
1 3ωo t ωo t

= −2i sin( ) + 3(2i) sin( ) ,
8 2 2
i 3ωo t ωo t

= − sin( ) + 3 sin( ) ,
4 2 2

1

2
The required probability is 16
− sin( 3ω2o t ) + 3 sin( ω2o t ) .
π
When t = ωo
,

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Quantum Mechanics I / Quantum theory I. 17 November, 2015

1 π 3π
2
Prob = 3 sin( ) − sin( ) ,
16 2 2
1
= (3 + 1)2 = 1.
16
2. Consider a particle of total angular momentum j = 1. Find the matrix for the com-
ponent of J~ along a unit vector with arbitrary direction ~n. Find its eigenvalues and
eigenvectors.
Answer
We have Jˆ = Jˆx î + Jˆy ĵ + Jˆz k̂ and arbitrary direction n is given as n = sin θ cos φî +
sin θ sin φĵ + cos θk̂. So,

Jˆn = J.n̂,
ˆ
   
= Jˆx î + Jˆy ĵ + Jˆz k̂ . sin θ cos φî + sin θ sin φĵ + cos θk̂ ,
= sin θ cos φJˆx + sin θ sin φJˆy + cos θJˆz ,

One can easily drive the matrix representaion of Jˆx , Jˆy and Jˆz for a j = 1 particle.
We will get,
√ 
−iφ
2 cos θ e sin θ 0
~  
Jˆn = √  eiφ sin θ 0 −iφ
e sin θ  ,
 
2 √ 
0 eiφ sin θ 2 cos θ
and the eigenvalues and eigenstates will be,

Eigenstates Eigenvalues
 
e−2iφ cot2 θ/2
 √
 
|1 =  2e−iφ cot θ/2 

~
 
1
 
−2iφ
−e
  √ 
|2 =  2e−iφ cot θ  0
 
 
1
 
e−2iφ tan2 θ/2
 √

|3 =  2e−iφ (−1 + cos θ) csc θ  −~

 
1

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Quantum Mechanics I / Quantum theory I. 17 November, 2015

Drive these on your own.

3. Consider the operator

1
 = (Jˆx Jˆy + Jˆy Jˆx ).
2

Calculate the expectation value of  and Â2 with respect to the state |j, m .
Answer
We have,
 
Jˆx = 1/2 Jˆ+ + Jˆ− ,
 
ˆ ˆ ˆ
Jy = 1/2i J+ − J− ,

from this, Jˆx Jˆy can be drived,

   
Jˆx Jˆy = 1/2 Jˆ+ + Jˆ− 1/2i Jˆ+ − Jˆ−
 
ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ
= 1/4i J+ J+ − J− J− + J− J+ − J+ J− ˆ ˆ
 
= 1/4i Jˆ+ Jˆ+ − Jˆ− Jˆ− − 2~Jˆz ,

Since [Jˆ+ , Jˆ− ] = 2~Jˆz .

Similarly the operator Jˆy Jˆx is,
 
ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ
Jy Jx = 1/4i J+ J+ − J− J− + 2~Jz .

Therefore,
 
 = 1/2 Jˆx Jˆy + Jˆy Jˆx ,
 
= 1/4i Jˆ+ Jˆ+ − Jˆ− Jˆ− ,

and hÂi can be determined as,

 
ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ


hÂi = j, m|1/4i J+ J+ − J− J− |j, m ,


= 1/4i j, m|Jˆ+ Jˆ+ |j, m − j, m|Jˆ− Jˆ− |j, m ,


= 0.

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Quantum Mechanics I / Quantum theory I. 17 November, 2015

Similarly,
 2
hÂ2 i = j, m|(1/4i)2 Jˆ+ Jˆ+ − Jˆ− Jˆ− |j, m ,


 
= −1/16 j, m| Jˆ+ Jˆ+ Jˆ+ Jˆ+ + Jˆ− Jˆ− Jˆ− Jˆ− − Jˆ+ Jˆ+ Jˆ− Jˆ− − Jˆ− Jˆ− Jˆ+ Jˆ+ |j, m ,



Notice that (Jˆ− Jˆ− )† = Jˆ+ Jˆ+ , hence only the third and forth term in this inner product
will give a non-zero answer.

Jˆ− Jˆ− |j, m = ~ j(j + 1) − m(m − 1)Jˆ− |j, m − 1 ,

 p 
p p
= ~2 j(j + 1) − m(m − 1) j(j + 1) − (m − 1)(m − 2)|j, m − 2 ,


Its dual is

j, m|Jˆ+ Jˆ+ = ~2 j(j + 1) − m(m − 1) j(j + 1) − (m − 1)(m − 2) j, m − 2|,

p p

Hence

j, m|Jˆ+ Jˆ+ Jˆ− Jˆ− |j, m = ~4 (j(j + 1) − m(m − 1))(j(j + 1) − (m − 1)(m − 2)),



Similarly, we can find

Jˆ+ Jˆ+ |j, m = ~2 j(j + 1) + m(m − 1) j(j + 1) + (m + 1)m|j, m + 2

 p p 

and

j, m|Jˆ− Jˆ− = ~2

p p

j(j + 1) + m(m − 1) j(j + 1) + (m + 1)m j, m + 2|

j, m|Jˆ− Jˆ− Jˆ+ Jˆ+ |j, m = ~4 (j(j + 1) + m(m − 1))(j(j + 1) + (m + 1)m),



This will yield,

~4
hÂ2 i = [(j(j + 1) − m(m − 1))(j(j + 1) − (m − 1)(m − 2))
16
+(j(j + 1) + m(m − 1))(j(j + 1) + (m + 1)m)].

4. Consider a system of total angular momentum j = 1. We are interested here in the

measurement of Jˆy . Its matrix in the simultaneous eigenbasis of Jˆ2 and Jˆz is given by
 
0 −i 0
~  
Jˆy = √  i 0 −i 
 
2  
0 i 0

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Quantum Mechanics I / Quantum theory I. 17 November, 2015

(a) What are the possible values will we obtain when measuring Jˆy ?

(b) Calculate Jˆz , Jˆz2 , and ∆Jz if the system is in the state jy = ~.




Answer
(a) The possible measurement outcomes will be the eigenvalue of Jˆy . The eigenvalues
of Jˆy will be the same as Jˆz , namely ~, 0, −~. There could be at least three justification
for this.

(a) From a symmetry prespective, there is no preference of Jˆx or Jˆy or Jˆz .

(b) Jˆy is obtained from Jˆz through a rotation (unitary operator). A unitary operation
preserve the eigenvalues.

(c) We can explicitly diagonalize Jˆy and find its eigenstates and eigenvalues. Let’s
do that.
 
 0 −i 0 
Consider the matrix  i 0 −i  .
 
 
0 i 0
 
 −λ −i 0 
     
−λ −i −i
   
     i 
 i −λ −i  = −λ   + i ,
 
 i −λ   0 −λ 
    
 0 i −λ 
 

= −λ[λ2 − 1] + i[−iλ],
= −λ3 + 2λ = 0,

√
λ3 − 2λ = 0 ⇒ λ(λ2 − 2) = 0 ⇒ λ = 0, ± 2

Hence the eigenvalues of Jˆy , which are also the measurement outcomes are ~, 0, −~.
Let’s find the corresponding eigenstates.

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Quantum Mechanics I / Quantum theory I. 17 November, 2015

For λ = ~:
    
0 −i 0   e1   e1 
~ 
√  i 0 −i   e2  = ~  e2  ,
    
2    
0 i 0 e3 e3
1 √
√ (−ie2 ) = e1 ⇒ e2 = +i 2e1 .
2
1
√ (ie1 − ie3 ) = e2 ,
2
1
√ (ie2 ) = e3 ⇒ e3 = −e1 ,
2

   
1 1
 √   √ 
This leads to the unnormalized state  i 2 , which can be normalized to 12  i 2 .
   
   
−1 −1
The eigenstates corresponding to the eigenvalue −~ can also be determined:

    
0 −i 0 e e
~   1   1
√  i 0 −i   e2  = −~  e2  ,
    
2    
0 i 0 e3 e3
1 √
√ (−ie2 ) = −e1 ⇒ e2 = −i 2e1 .
2
1
√ (ie1 − ie3 ) = e2 ,
2
1
√ (ie2 ) = −e3 ⇒ e3 = −e1 ,
2

 
 1√ 
1
This yields the normalized eigenstates  −i 2 .
 
2
 
−1
 
v
 1
Let the eigenstate corresponding to the eigenvalue 0 be  v2 . From orthogonality
 
 
v3

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Quantum Mechanics I / Quantum theory I. 17 November, 2015

condition,
1 √
√ (v1 − i 2v2 − v3 ) = 0,
5
1 √
√ (v1 + i 2v2 − v3 ) = 0,
5
Adding these yields 2v1 − 2v3 = 0 ⇒  v1 =v3 , while subtracting yields v2 = 0. Hence
1
 
1
the third normalized eigenstate is √2  0 .
 
 
1
These result for Jˆy are tabulated below.

Eigenstates Eigenvalues
 
1 
 1  √ 
|~ = 2  i/ 2  ~
 
−1
 
1
 √ 
| − ~ = 12  −i/ 2 

−~
 
 
−1
 
1
 √ 
|0 = √12  0/ 2 

0
 
 
1

These eigenstates can also be represented as superposition of eigenstates of Jˆz . See

below.
 
1 
1 √ 1  √  

 i/ 2  = |1, 1 +i 2|1, 0 −|1, −1 ,
 
2  2
−1
 
1
1 √  1  √  

 −i/ 2  = |1, 1 −i 2|1, 0 −|1, −1 ,
 
2  2
−1
 
1
1  1  

√  0  = √ |1, 1 +|1, −1 .
 
2  2
1

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Quantum Mechanics I / Quantum theory I. 17 November, 2015

(b) The system is in an eigenstate of Jˆy with eigenvalue ~. So the expectation value
is,

1
√

1  √
hJˆz i = 1, 1| − i 2 1, 0| − 1, −1| Jˆz |1, 1 +i 2|1, 0 −|1, −1 ,

 

2 2
~
√


 

= ( 1, 1| − i 2 1, 0| − 1, −1| |1, 1 +|1, −1 ,
4
~
= (1 − 1) = 0.
4

2 1
√

21  √
hJˆz i = 1, 1| − i 2 1, 0| − 1, −1| Jˆz

 

|1, 1 +i 2|1, 0 −|1, −1 ,
2 2
~
√

= ( 1, 1| − i 2 1, 0| − 1, −1| Jˆz |1, 1 +|1, −1 ,

 

4
~2
√


 

= ( 1, 1| − i 2 1, 0| − 1, −1| |1, 1 −|1, −1 ,
4
~2 ~2
= (1 + 1) = .
4 2
q
2 ~
∆Jˆz = hJˆz i − hJˆz i2 = √ .
2
q

2
2 2
5. (a) Show that ∆Jx ∆Jy = ~ [j(j + 1) − m ]/2, where ∆Jx = Jˆx2 − Jˆx and the
same for ∆Jy .

(b) Show that this relation is consistent with ∆Jx ∆Jy ≥ (~/2) Jˆz = ~2 m/2.



Answer

(a) We take the state |j, m , so the expectation value of Jx will be,

hJˆx i = j, m|Jˆx |j, m ,



1 
= j, m| Jˆ+ + Jˆ− |j, m ,


2
1 

j, m|Jˆ+ |j, m + j, m|Jˆ− |j, m ,


=
2
= 0.

We can find the expectation value of Jˆx2 ,

hJˆx2 i = j, m|Jˆx2 |j, m ,



1ˆ ˆ
2 
= j, m| J+ + J− |j, m ,
4

1  ˆ2 ˆ2 ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ
 
= j, m| J+ + J− + J− J+ + J+ J− |j, m ,
4

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Quantum Mechanics I / Quantum theory I. 17 November, 2015

In this inner product only the thrid and forth term will give non-zero values.

Jˆ+ |j, m = ~ j(j + 1) − m(m + 1)|j, m + 1 ,

 p 

and its dual

j, m|Jˆ− = ~ j(j + 1) − m(m + 1) j, m + 1|,

p

implies that,

j, m|Jˆ− Jˆ+ |j, m = ~2 (j(j + 1) − m(m + 1)).



Similarly

j, m|Jˆ+ Jˆ− |j, m = ~2 (j(j + 1) − m(m + 1)).



~2 
hJˆx2 i =

j(j + 1) − m(m + 1) + j(j + 1) − m(m − 1) ,
4
~2 
2j(j + 1) − 2m2 ,

=
4
~2 
j(j + 1) − m2 .

=
2
There is no reason why Jˆy2 should be different.
So
~2 
hJˆx2 i = j(j + 1) − m2 .

2
q
∆Jˆx = hJˆx2 i − hJˆx i2 ,
r
j(j + 1) − m2
= ~ = ∆Jˆy
2
~2
∆Jˆx ∆Jˆy = (j(j + 1) − m2 ).
2
(b) We have,

hJˆz i = j, m|Jˆz |j, m



= m~

~2
Now ∆Jˆx ∆Jˆy = 2
(j(j + 1) − m2 ). The minimum value of ∆Jˆx ∆Jˆy occurs when
|m| = j (i.e., m takes its extreme value). So
~2 ~2
∆Jˆx ∆Jˆy = (j 2 + j − j 2 ) = j.
2 2

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Quantum Mechanics I / Quantum theory I. 17 November, 2015

~2 ~2
This is at least equal to 2
mmax = 2
j.
Hence the minimum value is greater than or equal to ~2 hJˆz i. The indeterminacy prin-
ciple is always satisfied.

6. A spin 1 particle with a magnetic moment µ = (gq/2m)S is situated in a magnetic

field B = B0 k in the z direction. At time t = 0 the particle is in the state
√
 1  2  1 
|1, 1 y = |1, 1 +i |1, 0 − |1, −1
2 2 2

with Sy = ~. Here the unsubscripted kets represent eigenstates of Ŝ 2 and Ŝz . Deter-


mine the state of the particle at time t. Calculate how the expectation values Sx ,



Sy and Sz vary in time.
Answer
We know that energy of a dipole inside a magnetic field is given by E = −µ.B. So
the Hamiltonian will be

−gq
Ĥ = −µz .Bo = Bo Sˆz .
2m
−gq
Let 2m o
B = ωo . So

Ĥ = ωo Sˆz .

The initial state is,

√
 1  2  1 
|1, 1 y = |1, 1 +i |1, 0 − |1, −1
2 2 2

So now the time elevated state will be,

√ !
1 2  1
e−iĤt/~ |1, 1 y = e−iĤt/~
  
|1, 1 +i |1, 0 − |1, −1 ,
2 2 2
1 −iωo Sˆz t/~   √  
= e |1, 1 +i 2|1, 0 −|1, −1 ,
2
1 −iωo t
  √  +iωo t 
= e |1, 1 +i 2|1, 0 −e |1, −1 .
2

Note that each of |1, 1 , |1, 0 and |1, −1 are eigenstates of Sˆz . Lets first calculate
  

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Quantum Mechanics I / Quantum theory I. 17 November, 2015

how the expectation value of Sˆz evolves with time.

hSˆz i = ψ(t)|Sˆz |ψ(t) ,



1  +iωo t
√
   √ 
1, 1| − i 2 1, 0| − e−iωo t 1, −1| Sˆz e−iωo t |1, 1 +i 2|1, 0 −e+iωo t |1, −1 ,


= e
4
~  +iωo t
√

1, 1| − i 2 1, 0| − e−iωo t 1, −1| e−iωo t |1, 1 +e+iωo t |1, −1 ,

 

= e
4
~
= (1 − 1) = 0
4

Let’s calculate

1 ˆ   √ 
ˆ ˆ −iωo t
  +iωo t
Sx |ψ(t) = S+ + S− e |1, 1 +i 2|1, 0 −e |1, −1 ,
2
1   √ 
= Sˆ+ e−iωo t |1, 1 +i 2|1, 0 −e+iωo t |1, −1
 
4
1 ˆ  −iωo t  √  +iωo t 
+ S− e |1, 1 +i 2|1, 0 −e |1, −1
√4 h
2 √  √ i
2|1, 1 −eiωo t |1, 0 +e−iωo t |1, 0 +i 2|1, −1 ,
 
=
√4 h
2 √  √ i
2|1, 1 + −eiωo t + e−iωo t |1, 0 +i 2|1, −1 ,


=
4

Similarly,

1 ˆ   √ 
ˆ ˆ −iωo t
  +iωo t
Sy |ψ(t) = S+ − S− e |1, 1 +i 2|1, 0 −e |1, −1 ,
2i
1 ˆ   √ 
S+ e−iωo t |1, 1 +i 2|1, 0 −e+iωo t |1, −1
 
=
4i
1 ˆ  −iωo t  √  +iωo t 
− S− e |1, 1 +i 2|1, 0 −e |1, −1
√4 h
2 √  √ i
2|1, 1 −eiωo t |1, 0 −e−iωo t |1, 0 −i 2|1, −1 ,
 
=
√4i
2 h√  √ i
2|1, 1 − eiωo t + e−iωo t |1, 0 +i 2|1, −1 ,


=
4

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Quantum Mechanics I / Quantum theory I. 17 November, 2015

Hence

hSˆx i = ψ(t)|Sˆx |ψ(t) ,


√ !√
1 iωo t
i 2
1 −iωo t
2 h√   √ i
= e 1, 1| − 1, 0| − e 1, −1| 2|1, 1 −2i sin(ωo t)|1, 0 +i 2|1, −1
2 2 2 4
√ h
2 √ iωo t √ √ i
= i 2e − 2 2 sin(ωo t) − i 2e−iωo t ,
8
1 h iωo t √ i
− e−iωo t − 2 2 sin(ωo t) ,


= i e
4
1
= [−4 sin(ωo t)] ,
4
= − sin(ωo t).

hSˆy i = ψ(t)|Sˆy |ψ(t) ,


√ !√
1 iωo t
i 2
1 −iωo t
2h√   √ i
= e 1, 1| − 1, 0| − e 1, −1| i 2|1, 1 −2i cos(ωo t)|1, 0 −i 2|1, −1
2 2 2 4i
√ h
2 √ iωo t √ √ i
= i 2e − i2 2 cos(ωo t) + i 2e−iωo t ,
8i
i
= [4 cos(ωo t)] ,
4i
= cos(ωo t).

Hence hSˆz i = 0, hSˆx i = − sin(ωo t), hSˆy i = cos(ωo t).

18