Solutions Quantum Mechanics Aug 2020 Thru June 2022 DM Final

Solutions - Quantum Mechanics
August 2020 First Examination

Ph.D. Program in Physics - The Graduate Center CUNY
Qualifying Exam
Quantum Mechanics – SOLUTIONS
August 2020
Solve one of the two problems in Part A, and one of the two problems in Part B.
Each problem is worth 50 points.
Part A
Problem 1.
Let us consider an electron whose squared orbital angular momentum L2 is measured
to be 6h̄2 .
1.a) [5 points] For each one of the two bases described above, list all the possible states
for the electron which are compatible with this measurement.
We have s = 12 and l = 2 (since l(l + 1) = 6). Since l + s ≤ j ≤ |l − s|, the allowed values for
j will be j = 52 , j = 23 .
5
As a consequence, there will be ten possible states in the basis {|jmj i}: j = 2
with mj =
5 3 1
, , , − 21 , − 23 , − 52 (six states) and j = 32 with mj = 32 , 12 , − 21 , − 23 (four states).
2 2 2
In the basis {|ml ms i}, we can have all possible combinations of ms = − 12 , 12 with ml =
2, 1, 0, −1, −2, which is again ten states.
1.b) [15 points] Find the expression of the following basis states {|jmj i} in terms of the
appropriate elements of the basis {|ml ms i}.
1.b.1 : First state on the ladder, here is only one possible way of satisfying mj = ms + ml ,
therefore
5 5 1
|j = mj = i = |ml = 2 ms = i
2 2 2
1.b.2 : We should apply the lowering operator on both sides to obtain
r r
5 3 4 1 1 1
|j = mj = i = |ml = 1 ms = i + |ml = 2 ms = − i
2 2 5 2 5 2
and then apply the orthogonality condition to get
r r
3 3 1 1 4 1
|j = mj = i = |ml = 1 ms = i − |ml = 2 ms = − i
2 2 5 2 5 2
1 1
1.b.3 : Not a possible state. We cannot have j = 2
if s = 2
and l = 2.
1
1.b.4 : We can continue to apply the lowering operator until we reach the minimum of mj , or
start from the bottom of the ladder (which is faster). The only combination of ms and
ml that allows for mj = − 25 is
5 5 1
|j = mj = − i = |ml = −2 ms = − i
2 2 2
1.c) [15 points] Now assume the electron to be in the state with j = 23 , and mj = 21
(and the value of l is the same as in the previous questions). If one measures the
z-components of the electron orbital angular momentum and spin, what are the
possible values and their probabilities?
In our problem, there are only two configurations of ms and ml that are compatible with
|j = 23 , and mj = 12 , namely the states |ml = 1 ms = − 21 i and |ml = 0 ms = 21 i.
To obtain the probabilities, we start from the expression that we obtained in question 1.b.2),
and we apply once more the lowering operator, to obtain:
r r
3 1 2 1 3 1
|j = mj = i = |ml = 0 ms = i − |ml = 1 ms = − i
2 2 5 2 5 2
2
which allows to read the probabilities 5
and 35 , respectively for the pair of values (ml = 0, ms =
1
2
) and (ml = 1, ms = − 21 ).
1.d) [15 points] Let us now assume that the electron is in the state with ml = 1 and
ms = − 21 (again, l did not change). What are the possible values of j and their
probabilities?
Here we have the “inverse” problem as 1.c). The state |ml = 1ms = − 21 i must be a linear
combination of the states |j = 32 mj = 21 i (which we know already) and |j = 25 mj = 12 i (which
we do not have yet).
Let us first find |j = 25 mj = 21 i. We can obtain it by applying the lowering operator to
|j = 25 mj = 23 i or simply by using the orthogonality with |j = 23 mj = 12 i. In either way, we
get: r r
5 1 3 1 2 1
|j = mj = i = |ml = 0 ms = i + |ml = 1 ms = − i
2 2 5 2 5 2
We can solve now for |ml = 1 ms = − 21 i, to get

r r
1 2 5 1 3 3 1
|ml = 1 ms = − i = |j = mj = i − |j = mj = i
2 5 2 2 5 2 2
5 2 3
. Therefor, we will have j = 2
with probability 5
and j = 2
with probability 53 .
2
Problem 2.
We want to study the problem of a particle approaching a one-dimensional asymmetric step poten-
p2
tial, as described by the Hamiltonian H = 2m + V (x), where

 0 −∞ ≤ x ≤ 0
V (x) = V0 0<x<a .
V1 a ≤ x ≤ ∞

Assume the energy of the particle to be E > V0 > V1 .
2.a) [5 points] Write the general form of the wave function in the three regions defined
by the different values of V (x).
√
2mE
Region I (−∞ ≤ x ≤ 0) : ΨI (x) = A exp(ikx) + B exp(−ikx) where k = h̄
√
2m(E−V0 )
Region II (0 < x < a): ΨII (x) = C exp(ik0 x) + C exp(−ik0 x) where k0 = h̄
√
2m(E−V1 )
Region III (a ≤ x ≤ ∞): ΨIII (x) = E exp(ik1 x) where k1 = h̄
Note that some students might choose the notation A → 1, B → r, and E → t, which is
a common notation in many textbooks (where r and t are called reflection and transmission
coefficients).
2.b) [5 points] What are the boundary conditions for the wave function at the points
x = 0 and x = a?
Impose the continuity of the wave function and its first derivative at x = 0 and x = a (four
conditions altogether).
A+B =C +D (1)
k(A − B) = k0 (C − D) (2)
C exp(ik0 a) + D exp(−ik0 a) = E exp(ik1 a) (3)
k0 C exp(ik0 a) − k0 D exp(−ik0 a) = k1 E exp(ik1 a) (4)
2.c) [5 points] Using the fact that the probability current is constant, derive the rela-
tion between the transmission and reflection probabilities T and R.
Using the relation for the probability current (given in the formulas):

−ih̄ ∗ ∂ψ(x)
j(x) = Re (x)
m ∂x
we can find:
h̄k h̄k0 h̄k1 2
|A|2 − |B|2 , jII (x) = |C|2 − |D|2 , jIII (x) =

jI (x) = |E|
m m m
and therefore, using the equality between jI (x) and jIII (x):
k |A|2 − |B|2 = k1 |E|2

3
. Dividing both sides by k|A|2 we get:

2 2
B k1 E
1− =
A k A
k1 E 2 B 2
That allows for the identifications of T = k A
and R = A
, as transmission and reflection
probabilities, respectively.
2.d) [25 points] Use the relations that you derived in part 2.b) and 2.c) to compute
the transmission probability T .
Write C and D in terms of E, using the third and fourth equations.
k0 − k1
C= exp [i(k1 − k0 )a] E
2k0
k0 + k1
D= exp [i(k1 + k0 )a] E
2k0
The substitute in the first and second one to write A and B as functions of E. This allows to
obtain:
2kA = (k + k0 )C + (k − k0 )D
k + k0 k1 − k0 k − k0 k1 + k0
A= exp [i(k1 − k0 )a] E + exp [i(k1 + k0 )a] E
2k 2k0 2k 2k0
A exp [ik1 a]
= {(k + k0 )(k1 − k0 ) exp [−ik0 a] + (k − k0 )(k1 + k0 ) exp [ik0 a] }
E 4kk0
A exp [ik1 a]
= 2 cos (k0 a) (kk0 + k0 k1 ) − 2i sin (k0 a) (k02 + kk1 )
E 4kk0
Then we can use
2
k1 E 4 k k02 k1
T = =
k A cos2 (k0 a) (kk0 + k0 k1 )2 + sin2 (k0 a) (k02 + kk1 )2
2.e) [10 points] Check your solution for the transmission probability T in the limit
V1 → 0. In this limit, your solution should reproduce the know value of √ T for the
h i−1
V02 sin2 (k0 a) 2m(E−V0 )
rectangular symmetric barrier, namely T = 1 + 4E(E−V0 ) where k0 = h̄
.
This can be quite easily computed taking the limit k1 → k in the expression above for T (note
that k0 is unchanged).
4
Formulas for Part A
Schrödinger Equation:
p̂2
ih̄ ∂ψ(x,t)
∂t = Ĥψ(x, t) , Ĥ = 2m + V (x) , ĤψE (x) = EψE (x) ,
n o
j(x) = Re −ih̄ ψ ∗ (x) ∂ψ(x)
m ∂x
Angular Momentum Operators:
[Jˆx , Jˆy ] = ih̄Jˆz (or [Jˆi , Jˆj ] = ih̄ijk Jˆk ) , [Jˆ2 , Jˆi ] = 0 , Jˆ± = Jˆx ± iJˆy ,
Jˆ± |j mi = h̄ j(j + 1) − m(m ± 1) |j m ± 1i
p
5
Problems for QMII, 2020 CUNY Graduate Center Li Ge
P.1
The WKB approximation is valuable in a wide range of systems that resemble the Schrödinger equation.
Consider the Helmholtz equation in a one-dimensional optical cavity:
2
d 2
+ ε(x)k ψ(x) = 0. (1)
dx2
Here ε(x) is the real-valued dielectric function and its frequency dependence is neglected. k = ω/c is the
wave vector in free-space, where ω is the circular frequency and c is the speed of light in vacuum.
(I) Assume for now that k is real. Establish one connection between Eq. (1) and the time-independent
Schrödinger equation. Point out what quatities play the roles of the mass, the potential and the energy. Note
that there are multiple acceptable answers and take ~ = 1.
Answer 1: The energy E is zero. −ε(x)k 2 is the potential (Note: the minus sign is required). m = 0.5.
Answer 2: The energy E is zero. −ε(x) is the potential. m = 0.5k 2 .
Answer 3: The energy E is k 2 . (1 − ε(x))k 2 is the potential. m = 0.5.
...
p
Here we consider a cavity of a finite size, i.e., x ∈ [−L/2, L/2], and the refractive index n(x) = ε(x) is
position-dependent inside the cavity but is a constant (ne > 0) outside. Now we focus on the states that are
defined by a solution of Eq. (1) with the incoming boundary condition ψ(x, t) ∝ e−ine k|x| in |x| > L/2. They
correspond to the zeros of the scattering matrix.
(II) Write the boundary condition in terms of ψ 0 /ψ at x = ±L/2 where ψ 0 = dψ/dx.
Answer: ψ 0 /ψ = −ine k at x = L/2 and ine k at x = −L/2.
(III) Because of the incoming boundary condition, the system is no longer Hermitian and k is complex
in general. Can you recover the WKB result learned in class using ψ(x) = A(x)eiφ(x) ? Here A(x), φ(x) are real.
Answer:
ψ 0 = (A0 + iAφ0 )eiφ , 00
= (A00 + 2iA0 φ0 + iAφ00 − A(φ0 )2 )eikφ = −εk 2 Aeikφ
By dropping A00 , we find
i(2A0 φ0 + Aφ00 ) = A((φ0 )2 − εk 2 ).
Denoting k 2 = f 2 + ig (f, g ∈ R), we separate the real and imaginary part of the equation above:
2A0 φ0 + Aφ00 = −Aεg, 0 = (φ0 )2 − εf 2 .

p
The second equation above gives φ0 = ± εf 2 ≡ ±n(x)f , similar to what we learned in class. However, the
first equation needs more attention. We rewrite it as
y0 gφ0
(ln y)0 = =− 2,
y f
2
where y = A2 φ0 L is dimensionless. We then find y ∝ e−gφ/f and
1 2 1 2 1 R
A(x) ∝ p e−gφ/2f → (x) ∝ p ei(1+ig/2f )φ = p e±i(f +ig/2f ) dx n(x)
n(x) n(x) n(x)
Note that if we denote k = kr + iki and assume 0 < ki kr , we then find f ≈ kr and g = 2kr ki . Therefore,
the factor in the exponent is approximatedly k. If a student is unable to derive the result above, he has the
P.1 continued on next page. . . Page 1 of 4

option to start with a simpler ansatz in the next question.
(IV) How about using ψ(x) = A(x)eikφ(x) ? If it works, apply the WKB approximation using A00 ≈ 0. Note
that the result depends on whether Re[k] vanishes.
Answer:
ψ 0 = (A0 + ikAφ0 )eikφ , 00

= (A00 + 2ikA0 φ0 + ikAφ00 − A(kφ0 )2 )eikφ = −εk 2 Aeikφ
By dropping A00 , we find

i(2A0 φ0 + Aφ00 ) = Ak((φ0 )2 − ε).
If k were real, then the derivation that follows would be exactly the same as in the Schrödinger equation. The
imaginary part of k makes the result slightly different. Denoting again k = kr + iki (kr,i > 0), we separate
the real and imaginary part of the equation above:
2A0 φ0 + Aφ00 = Aki ((φ0 )2 − ε), 0 = kr ((φ0 )2 − ε).

√
If kr 6= 0, the second equation tells us that φ0 = ± ε = ±n(x), and the first equation indicates Aφ0 = const.
The wave function is then given by
1 R
ψ(x) ∝ p eik n(x)dx ,
n(x)
which is again the same as in the Schrödinger equation. However, there exists zeros of the scattering matrix
with kr = 0 for some ε(x), and we find (φ0 )2 6= ε. As a result, the right hand side of 2A0 φ0 +Aφ00 = Aki ((φ0 )2 −ε)
is not zero either. In other words, in this case the phase and amplitude of the wave function are not simply
related.
(V) Assume ε(x) = ε(−x), write down the wave function in the WKB approximation as sine and cosine
functions. What is the argument of these sinusoidal functions?
Answer: Z x Z x
1 1
ψ+ (x) = p cos k n(x)dx and ψ− (x) = p sin k n(x)dx ,
n(x) 0 n(x) 0
one for even-parity and the other for odd-parity. Check:

Z −x Z x
1 1
ψ− (−x) = p sin k n(x)dx = p sin −k n(−x)dx = −ψ− (x).
n(x) 0 n(x) 0
We have used x → −x in the second step and n(x) = n(−x) in the last step. Similarly, we find ψ+ (−x) = ψ+ (x).
(VI) Using the boundary condition at either x = L/2 or −L/2, derive the analytical expressions satisfied by
k = kr + iki (kr,i > 0), one for even-parity and the other for odd-parity. Assuming ki kr , analyze these
express to show that they lead to the same form

1 2q
k≈ q + i ln , (2)
n̄L |α|
when |α| q. Specify the expressions for α, q, and the average refractive index n̄ inside the cavity.
Answer: Using the boundary condition at x = L/2, we find

√ n0
0
ψ− ne [k cos(z/2) − 2n 2 sin(z/2)] z
= 1
e
= −ine k, or tan(z/2) = ,
ψ− x=L/2 √
ne sin(z/2) −α + iz

where z ≡ n̄kL/2 and α ≡ n̄Ln0 (x = L/2)/2n2e ∈ R. n̄ is the average of n(x) inside the cavity, i.e.,
R L/2
n̄ = −L/2 n(x)dx/L. Similarly, for the parity-even wave functions, we have
α − iz
tan(z/2) = .
z
α is fixed, and at high energy we find δ ≡ |α|/z 1. To the leading order of δ, we then find e−iz = ±iδ,
where “+” and “−” are for the two parities. Denoting z = q + iκ, we find q ≈ (m + 0.5)π (m ∈ Z) by noting
that e−iz is approximately imaginary when δ 1. Finally, we derive Eq. (2) by taking the absolution value
of e−iz and the approximation δ ≈ |α|/q, assuming q κ.
P.2
(I) [15 pts] Consider a one-dimensional harmonic oscillator in the ground state |0i of the unperturbed
2 2
Hamiltonian at t = −∞. Let a perturbation H1 (t) = F xe−t /τ be applied between t = −∞ and +∞. Use
the first-order time-dependent perturbation theory to calculate the probability that the oscillator is in the
state |ni at t = +∞.
dn (t)e−iEn t/~ |ni where the (shifted) energy levels are En = n~ω, we know
P
Answer: Assuming |ψ(t)i = n
Z ∞
−i 2 2
dn (t) = F hn|x|0ie−t /τ einωt dt. (3)
~ −∞
In the midterm I tested the students about the selection rule based on the parity of the eigenstates. Here
similar and we find only an odd |ni may have a nonzero transition probability. Furthermore, using
it is p
x = ~/2mω(a + a† ) and the Gaussian integral we find that only d1 (+∞) is nonzero:
r Z ∞
−i ~ 2
π 1/2 2 2
d1 (+∞) = Fτ e−t eiωτ t dt = iF τ e−ω τ /4 . (4)
~ 2mω −∞ 2m~ω
(II) [5 pts] Prove the adiabatic theorem using this example, i.e., if the Hamiltonian H(t) is slowly varying,
then a system starts out in |ni at t = −∞ will end up in |ni again at t = +∞. Show quantitatively how slow
the variation needs to be in terms of the energy difference between two neighboring states.
Ansswer: We just need to show that d1 (∞) → 0, which requires ωτ = τ (E1 − E0 )/~ 1 for a given ω.
(III) [15 pts] Now consider another case. If we start with a quantum bouncing ball in a box potential in
one dimension and slowly modulate its length L with period τ , show that the requirement for the adiabatic
theorem to hold is the same as in (II). Here we just need the order of magnitude estimation, and you may
want to consider the wave-particle duality of the ball.
Answer: A reasonale condition for the adiabatic theorem to hold is the following: the time it takes for the
ball to complete a round trip should be much shorther than τ . The energy of the nth level in a box potential
is given by n2 ~2 π 2 /2mL2 , and hence we estimate its momentum to be p ∼ ~/L. The round-trip time is then
T = L/v = mL/p ∼ mL2 /~. Note that E1 − E0 here is also on the order of ~2 /mL2 , so
T /τ = mL2 /~τ = ~/(E1 − E0 )τ 1, (5)
which is the same condition as in (II).

(IV) The adiabatic theorem can also be verified by comparing time-dependent perturbation theory with time-
independent perturbation theory. Let us come back to (II). At t = 0, does the time-dependent perturbation
theory you have used give the same result as the time-independent perturbation theory to the first order in
the adiabatic limit? What if H1 (t) = F xet/τ ?
Answer: At t = 0, we find
0
−i −i
Z
2
d1 (0) = h1|F x|0iτ e−t eiωτ t dt ≡ h1|F x|0iτ I. (6)
~ −∞ ~
We observe that Z 0 Z ∞
2 2
I∗ = e−t e−iωτ t dt = e−t eiωτ t dt (7)
−∞ 0
and ∞ √
Z
2 2 2
I + I∗ = e−t eiωτ t dt = πe−ω τ /2
. (8)
−∞
2 2
Therefore, the real part of I, as well as the imaginary part of d1 (0) ∝ τ e−ω τ /2 , vanishes in the limit
that ωτ 1 for a given ω. The imaginary part of I, on the other hand, is given by the error function, or
equivalently, the Dawson integral:
ωτ /2
1 √ −ω2 τ 2 /4
ωτ Z
−ω 2 τ 2 /4 2
Im[I] = −D+ = −e ey dy = − πe erfi(ωτ /2). (9)
2 0 2
Using the property that D+ (x) ≈ (2x)−1 when x → +∞, we find
1 h1|H1 |0i
d1 (0) = − h1|F x|0i = , (10)
~ω E0 − E1
which is what the time-independent perturbation theory gives us. Now for the new H1 , we have
−i 0 h1|F x|0i h1|H1 |0i

Z
(−i/~)h1|F x|0i
d1 (0) = h1|F x|0iet/τ einωt dt = →− = , (11)
~ −∞ 1/τ + iω ~ω E0 − E1
which again confirms the adiabatic theorem.
Page 4 of 4
January 2021 First Examination
Jan.2021-Pb.1
Monday, January 4, 2021 10:03 AM
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Jan.2021-Pb.2
Monday, January 4, 2021 11:03 AM
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QM Fall 2020 Page 4

Quantum Mechanics - Solutions
First Examination - June 2021
Ph.D. Program in Physics
The Graduate Center CUNY
Qualifying Exam
Quantum Mechanics
June 2021
Problem 1. Consider two observables Â and B̂ in a three-dimensional Hilbert space.

In the basis:      
1 0 0
|1i = 0
  , |2i = 1  , |3i = 0  ,

0 0 1
the observables Â and B̂ are represented, respectively, by the matrices
   
1 0 0 −1 0 0
A→a 0 2  0 , B → b  0 0 2
0 0 6 0 2 0
where b << a.
a) [5 points] Show that the observables Â and B̂ are not compatible.
Check the commutator [Â, B̂]. Since Â and B̂ do not commute, the observables are NOT
compatible. in particular, Â and B̂ do not admit a common set of eigenstates.
b) [10 points] Compute the possible outcomes and the corresponding
q probabilities of separate
1
(independent) measurements of Â and B̂ in the state |χi = 2 (|2i − |3i).
Â: in general, we have three possible outcomes in the eigenvalues a1 = 1a, a2 = 2a, a3 = 6a,
which correspond to the three eigenstates |1i, |2i, and |3i. The probabilities are given by
Pi = |hχ|ii|2 ,q
where i = 1, 2, 3.
Since |χi = 12 (|2i − |3i), we will measure a2 = 2a with a probability of 50% and a3 = 6a
with a probability of 50%.
B̂: the possible outcomes are given by the eigenvalues. Let us firts compute them together
with the corresponding eigenstates |B1 i, |B2 i, and |B3 i. The probabilities will be given by
Pi = |hχ|Bi i|2 , where i = 1, 2, 3.
0 2
The first eigenvalue is b1 = −1b, and |B1 i = |1i. By diagonalizing the sub-matrix , we
2 0
find that
qthe additional eigenvaluesq are b2 = −2b and b3 = +2b, with respective eigenvectors
|B2 i = 12 (|2i − |3i) and |B3 i 12 (|2i + |3i).
Since |χi = |B2 i, we will measure b2 = −2b with a probability of 100%.
c) [10 points] Compute the possible outcomes and the corresponding probabilities of a mea-
surements of B̂ that follows a measurement of Â, if the system is initially in the state |χi.
What about a measurement of Â that follows a measurements of B̂?
After the measurement of Â, the qin |2i or |3i with a probability of
q state of the system will be
50% each. Noting that |2i = 12 (|B2 i + |B3 i) and |3i = 12 (|B2 i − |B3 i), we can conclude
1
that the measurement of B̂ will have a 50% probability of b2 = −2b a 50% probability of
b3 = +2b.
Note that, if we were to perform the measurement of B̂ first, it would give a b2 = −2b with
100% probability and turn the state of the system in — B2 i. However, since |χi = |B2 i, the
subsequent measurement of Â would give the same outcomes as in part b) of the problem.
Let us now construct the Hamiltonian Ĥ = Â + B̂. Since b << a, we can use perturbation theory
to study Ĥ.
d) [10 points] After writing down the eigenstates and eigenvalues of Ĥ0 = Â, compute the first-
and second-order corrections to the energy levels due to the correction Ĥp = B̂.
Leading Order. (just for defining notation). In the basis defined by
     
1 0 0
|1i = 0
  , |2i = 1  , |3i = 0  ,

0 0 1
we have E10 = 1a , E20 = 2a , E30 = 6a.

First Order. We use En1 = hn|Ĥp |ni, to obtain
E11 = h1|Ĥp |1i = −1b, E21 = h2|Ĥp |2i = 0, E31 = h3|Ĥp |3i = 0.
Ĥp |ni|2
Second Order. Using En2 = k6=n |hk| 2 2 b2 1 b2
P
0 −E 0 , we get E1 = 0, E2 = − a , E3 = + a .
En k
Therefore, up to second order
E1 = a − b + . . . = a [1 − X + O(X 3 )]
2
E2 = 2a − ba + . . . = a [2 − X 2 + O(X 3 )]
2
E3 = 6a + ba + . . . = a [6 + X 2 + O(X 3 )]
where X = b/a.
e) [10 points] Compute the energy eigenstates of Ĥ up to first order in perturbation theory.
|p11 i = 0
hk|Ĥp |2i h3|Ĥp |2i 2b b
|p12 i = k6=2
P
E20 −Ek0
|ki = E20 −E30
|3i = −4a
|3i = − 2a |3i
hk|Ĥp |3i h2|Ĥp |3i 2b b
|p13 i = k6=3
P
E30 −Ek0
|ki = E30 −E20
|2i = 4a
|2i = 2a
|2i
Therefore, up to first order:
|p1 i = |1i
b
|p2 i = |2i − 2a |3i + . . .
b
|p3 i = |3i + 2a |2i + . . .
f) [5 points] After finding the exact solutions, check that your results for the energy levels
obtained in perturbation theory are correct.
By diagonalizing the matrix
 
1−X x 0
Ĥ = a  x 2 2X  ,
0 2X 6
2
√
we get the eigenvalues λ1 = (1 − X)√and λ2,3 = 4 ∓ 2 1 + x2 .
By expanding λ2,3 for small X, i.e. 1 + X 2 = 1 + 12 X 2 + O(X 4 ), we obtain:
λ2 = 4 − 2(1 + 21 X 2 ) = 2 − X 2 ,
and
λ3 = 4 + 2(1 + 21 X 2 ) = 6 + X 2 ,
in agreement with part a).
Time-independent Perturbation Theory:
hk|Ĥp |ni
En1 = hn|Ĥp |ni; Eni = hp0n |Ĥp |pi−1 |p1n i =
P
n i; k6=n En0 −Ek0 |ki
3
Graduate Physics Qualifying Exam Solutions,

CUNY Graduate Center,
June, 2021
2.a. (10 points) Substituting ψl (r, θ , φ ) = r−1 χl (r)Pl (cos θ ) into

2 2m 2 2m
−∇ ψ = 2 [E −V (r)] = k − 2 V (r) ψ,
h̄ h̄
yields
r 1 d 2 d χl (r) l(l + 1) 2m
− 2
r + 2
= k2 − 2 V (r),
χl (r) r dr dr r r h̄
or
d 2 χl

2 l(l + 1) 2m
+ k − − 2 V (r) χl (r) = 0.
dr2 r2 h̄
Similarly, for the perturbed potential
d 2 χl0

l(l + 1) 2m
2
+ k − − 2 [V (r) + δV (r)] χl0 (r) = 0.
dr2 r2 h̄
2.b. (10 points) From the two wave equations above,
d 2 χl (r) d 2 χl0 ∗ (r) 2m

χl0 ∗ (r) 2
− 2
χl (r) = − 2 δV (r) χl0 ∗ (r)χl (r).
dr dr h̄
The left-hand side is the derivative with respect to r of
dχl (r) dχl0 ∗ (r)

0∗ πl 0 πl
χl (r) − χl (r) ≈ k sin kr − + δl cos kr − + δl
dr dr 2 2

πl πl
−k cos kr − + δl sin kr − + δl = k sin(δl0 − δl ),
0
2 2
for large r. Thus
2χ d 2 χl0 ∗ (r)
Z ∞
1 d l (r) 2m ∞
Z
sin(δl0 − δl ) = χl0 ∗ (r) − χl (r) = − 2 δV (r) χl0 ∗ (r)χl (r)dr.
k 0 dr2 dr2 h̄ k 0
2.c. (10 points) For δl0 − δl small, we can drop the sine in the expression above, yielding
2m
Z ∞
δl0 = δl − 2 δV (r) |χl (r)|2 dr,
h̄ k 0
1
where we have replaced χl0 (r) by χl (r).

2.d. (10 points) We replace δl by zero, δl0 by δl and χl (r) by the solution with f (θ ) = 0,
namely il jl (kr). Thus
2m ∞
Z
δl = − 2 V (r) jl (kr)2 dr.
h̄ k 0
Changing the sign of the potential changes the sign of the all of the phase shifts.
2.e. (10 points) If r0 is sufficiently small, then the integrand is small except where
2l l!
jl (kr) ≈ kl r l .
(2l + 1)!
Thus
22l+1 (l!)2 mV0 k2l−1
Z ∞
2 /r2
δl ≈ − r2l e−2r 0 dr.
[(2l + 1)!]2 h̄2 0
r0 1/2
Substituting u = 2r2 /r02 , r = 21/2
u , this becomes
22l+1 (l!)2 mV0 k2l−1 r02l+1 2l+1/2 (l!)3 mV0 k2l−1 r02l+1
Z ∞
δl ≈ − du ul e−u = − ,
[(2l + 1)!]2 h̄2 2l+1/2 0 [(2l + 1)!]2 h̄2
where we have used Z ∞
du ul e−u = Γ(l + 1) = l!.
0
2
Some useful definitions and formulas:
Legendre polynomials Pl (z):
d2
Z 1
2 dPl (z) 2δkl
(1 − z ) 2 Pl (x) − 2z + l(l + 1)Pl (z) = 0, Pk (z)Pl (z) dz = ,
dz dz −1 2l + 1
1 1
P0 (z) = 1, P1 (z) = z, P2 (z) = (3z2 − 1), P3 (z) = (5z3 − 1), . . . .
2 2
Spherical Bessel functions jl (ρ):
∞
eiρz = ∑ (2l + 1)il jl (ρ)Pl (z),
l=0

1 d 2 d jl (ρ) l(l + 1)
ρ + 1− jl (ρ) = 0,
ρ 2 dρ dρ ρ2
l
2l l!

l 1 d sin ρ
jl (ρ) = (−ρ) −→ ρ l , as ρ → 0,
ρ dρ ρ (2l + 1)!

1 πl
jl (ρ) −→ cos ρ − , as ρ → ∞.
ρ 2
The partial wave expansion for positive-energy eigenfunctions. with ~k = kẑ:
f (θ ) ikr
ψk (r, θ ) −→ eikr cos θ + e , as r → ∞,
r
1 ∞
f (θ ) = ∑ (2l + 1)(e2iδl − 1)Pl (cos θ ).
2ik l=0
3
PhD Program in Physics - The Graduate Center CUNY
Qualifying Exam
Quantum Mechanics
August 2021
Solutions
Problem 1.
Consider a spin-1 particle in the state:
r
1
|ψi = |+i + |0i + |−i ,
3
where |+i ≡ |s = 1, sz = 1i, |0i ≡ |s = 1, sz = 0i, and |−i ≡ |s = 1, sz = −1i are the eigenstates of Ŝz .
1.a) (5 points) Show that the Ŝz operator can be written as Ŝz = h̄(|+ih+|) − h̄(|−ih−|). Write the
expression for the operator Ŝz2 .
P
Textbook problem. The simplest way is to use the spectral decomposition Â = i |ai iλi hai |, where
|ai i and λi are the eigenvectors and eigenvalues of the operator Â, respectively.
By squaring Ŝz , we obtain Ŝz2 = h̄2 |+ih+| + |−ih−|.
In matrix form (if need be) this would be represented by
   
1 0 0 1 0 0
Ŝz → h̄ 0 0 0  , Ŝz2 → h̄2 0 0 0 .
0 0 −1 0 0 1
1.b) (15 points) Beginning with the state |ψi, consider measuring first Ŝz2 , then measuring afterwards Ŝz .
What are the possible measurement outcomes of Ŝz2 and the corresponding probabilities? What are
the possible outcomes of a measurement of Ŝz after Ŝz2 has been measured and the corresponding
probabilities?
First measurement (Ŝz2 ): The possible outcomes are given by the eigenvalues of Ŝz2 , which are
0 (non degenerate) and h̄2 (degenerate of degree 2) respectively. We will measure Sz2 = 0 with
probability P0 = |hψ|0i|2 = 13 . We will measure Sz2 = h̄2 with probability P+ = |hψ|1i|2 = 32 ,
q
where |1i = 1
2 |+i + |−i is the eigenstate of eigenvalue h̄2 and the state of the system after
the measurement. Note that the from of |1i can be obtained directly (by observing the form of the
operator Sz2 and the initial state of the system) or by applying the projector P = |+ih+| + |−ih−| to
the initial state of the system and normalizing the outcome.
Second measurement (Ŝz ): If the outcome of the first measurement was Sz2 = 0, the system is
now in the state |0 >. We will then measure Sz = 0 with probability P0 = |h0|0i|2 = 1. q
If the outcome of the first measurement was Sz2 = 1, the system is now in the state |1i = 12 |+i +

|−i . We will then measure Sz = h̄ with probability P+ = |h1|+i|2 = 12 and Sz = −h̄ with probability
P− = |h1|−i|2 = 21 .
Assume the Hamiltonian of the system to be
Ĥ = ASˆz2 + B(Sˆx2 − Sˆy2 ) .
1
Graduate Physics Qualifying Exam Solutions,

CUNY Graduate Center,
August, 2021
1.a. (10 points) The time derivatives of the components of the position vector are
dr j 1 1
= [H, r j ] = [−ih̄c~α · ~∇, r j ] = −cα j ,
dt ih̄ ih̄
or
d~r
= −c~α .
dt
(Note: this illustrates the phenomenon of Zitterbewegung, which is that the expectation value
of the velocity of the massive electron has magnitude c. The electron’s path fluctuates, result-
ing in an average velocity < c.) The time derivatives of the components of the momentum
vector are

dpj 1 1 ~ ∂ ∂ ~ ∂φ
= [H, p j ] = −ec~α · A(~r,t) + eφ (~r,t) , −ih̄ j = −ec j ~α · A + e j ,
dt ih̄ ih̄ ∂r ∂r ∂r
so the velocity operator is
d~p
= −ec~∇ ~α · ~A + e~∇φ .
dt
1.b. (10 points) The time derivative of ~p − e~A = m~v (the force on the electron) is
!
d d~p 1 ∂ ~A ∂ ~A
~F = (~p − e~A) = −e [H, ~A] + = −ec~∇(~α · ~A) + e~∇φ + ec(α · ~∇)~A − e .
dt dt ih̄ ∂t ∂t
(Had you found this time derivative of ~p − e~A above, you would have received full credit for
Part b., but we remark that using the formulas for the electric and magnetic fields respectively,
~
~E = −~∇φ + ∂ A , ~B = ~∇ × ~A,
∂t
it may be written as
~F = −e(~E + c~α × ~B),
the Lorentz force of a particle with velocity ~v = c~α . )
We now have
d~L d~r d
= × (~p − e~A) +~r × (~p − e~A) = −c~α × (~p − e~A) +~r × ~F,
dt dt dt
1
where ~F is the force given above.

1.c. (10 points) From Part a., we have
~τ =~r × ~F.
It is acceptable to write this as either of the two expressions

" #
∂ ~A
~τ = −e~r × −~∇φ + + c~∇(~α · ~A) − c(~α · ~∇)~A = −~r × e ~E + c~α × ~B .
∂t
1.d. (20 points) We have that β commutes with S j , j = x, y, z, so that (again implicitly
summing over repeated indices)
dS j

1 j ic σk 0 σj 0
= [H, S ] = − (pk − eAk ) , ,
dt ih̄ 2 0 −σk 0 σj
where the index k is summed implicitly. This simplifies to
dS j

ic k jl σl 0
= − (pk − eAk )2iε = cε k jl (pk − eAk )α l ,
dt 2 0 −σl
or
d~S
= −c(~p − e~A) × ~α = c~α × (~p − e~A).
dt
The time derivative of the total angular momentum J~ = ~L + ~S, is from this result and from
Part b.,
d J~
= −c~α × (~p − e~A) +~r × ~F + c~α × (~p − e~A) =~r × ~F = ~τ,
dt
i.e., the torque.
2
1.c) (5 points) Show that, in the basis of eigenstates of Ŝz , the operators Sˆx and Sˆy have the form:
   
0 1 0 0 −1 0
h̄  ih̄
Ŝx → √ 1 0 1 , Ŝy → √ 1 0 −1 .
2 0 1 0 2 0 1 0
Textbook calculation. One common way is to use the operators S+ and S− , given in the formulae,
and then build the linear combinations using S± = Sx ± iSy .
1.d) (10 points) Find the matrix representation of Ĥ, in the basis of eigenstates of Ŝz .
Using the expressions of Sx , Sy , and Sz , which were given in 1.c) and 1.a), one can easily obtain
 
A 0 B
Ĥ → h̄2  0 0 0 .
B 0 A
1.e) (10 points) Solve the problem exactly, to find the eigenvalues and eigenstates of Ĥ.
q
The energy eigenstates and eigenvalues are: |E± i = 12 |+i±|−i with eigenvalues E± = h̄2 (A±B)
and |E0 i = |0i with eigenvalue E0 = 0.
1.f) (5 points) Compute the expectation value of the energy in the state |ψi.
Compute hĤiψ = hψ|Ĥ|ψi = i Ei |hψ|Ei i|2 to obtain hĤiψ = 23 h̄2 (A + B).
P
2
Solutions Quantum Mechanics
Qualifying Examination - June 2022
PhD Program in Physics CUNY
Qualifying Exam
Quantum Mechanics
June 2022
Solutions
Problem 1.
Let’s consider a perturbation Hp to a one-dimensional harmonic oscillator. The Hamiltonian of the system
can be written as
p̂2 1
Ĥ = Ĥ0 + Ĥp where Ĥ0 = + mω 2 x̂2 and Ĥp = βx̂4
2m 2
Define the operators â and â† as
1 1
â = √ (p̂ − imωx̂) â† = √ (p̂ + imωx̂)
2mωh̄ 2mωh̄
1.a) Using the properties of the ladder operators â and â† , find the expression for all the non-vanishing
matrix elements hm|x̂2 |ni, where |ni and |mi are eigenstates of the unperturbed Hamiltonian Ĥ0 [15
points].
We should evaluate all non-zero matrix elements hm|x̂2 |ni, namely the cases m = −2, 0, +2. All
other matrix qelements are zero.
h̄
â† − â , then x̂2 = − 2mω
h̄
â† − â â† − â .

Since x̂ = i 2mω
√ √
Using â|ni = n|n − 1i and â† |ni = n + 1|n + 1i, we get:
h̄
hn|x̂2 |ni = 2mω (2n + 1)
h̄
2
p
hn|x̂ |n − 2i = − 2mω n(n − 1)
h̄
2
p
hn|x̂ |n + 2i = − 2mω (n + 2)(n + 1)
1.b) Evaluate the expectation value hn|x̂4 |ni [15 points]. Hint: You can simplify this calculation by using
the completeness relation for the energy eigenstates and the result of part 1.a.
2 4
We can compute directly hn|x̂4 |ni, starting from the expression x̂4 = 4mh̄2 ω2 â† − â or use the hint
provided in the text. We will follow the latter route.
2
Using completeness, we can write: hn|x̂4 |ni = m hn|x̂2 |mihm|x̂2 |ni = m hn|x̂2 |mi Using the
P P
expressions from part 1.b, we finally get:
2 2
hn|x̂4 |ni = 4mh̄2 ω2 (2n + 1)2 + n(n − 1) + (n + 1)(n + 2) = 4mh̄2 ω2 (6n2 + 6n + 3 .

1.c) Write the energy spectrum for the Hamiltonian Ĥ up to first order in perturbation theory [10 points].
The spectrum En will be given by En = En0 + En1 + . . . where En0 = h̄ω n + 12 (Harmonic oscillator)

βh̄2
and En1 = hn|Ĥp |ni = βhn|x̂4 |ni = 4m 2

2 ω 2 (6n + 6n + 3 .
βh̄2
Thus, En = h̄ω n + 21 + 4m 2

2 ω 2 (6n + 6n + 3 + . . .
1.d) (5 points) Evaluate the commutator [Ĥ0 , Ĥp ].

The evaluation the commutator [Ĥ0 , Ĥp ] comes down to the evaluation of [p̂2 , x̂4 ] = −4ih(p̂x̂3 + x̂3 p̂).
1
1.e) (5 points) Given the result for the commutator in part 1.d), should we expect higher-order corrections
to the energy spectrum of H? (Explain your reasoning).
Since their [p̂2 , x̂4 ] is not equal to zero, we do not have a complete basis in which the two operators
Ĥ0 and Ĥp are diagonal at the same time.
In particular, the basis of eigenstates of Ĥ0 is not a basis of eigenstates for the perturbation Ĥp (or
the full Hamiltonian Ĥ. As a consequences, we can expect higher order corrections to the energy
levels, which should be computed in perturbation theory.
Some useful definitions and formulas:
One-dimensional Harmonic oscillator:
p̂2
Ĥ0 = 2m
+ 12 mω 2 x̂2 , â = √ 1
2mωh̄
(p̂ − imωx̂), â† = √ 1
2mωh̄
(p̂ + imωx̂),
[â, â† ] = 1, [Ĥ0 , â† ] = h̄ωâ† ,

√ √
â|ni = n|n − 1i, â† |ni = n + 1|n + 1i
Time-independent Perturbation Theory:

hk|Ĥp |ni |hk|Ĥp |ni|2
En1 = hn|Ĥp |ni, Eni = hp0n |Ĥp |pi−1 |p1n i = En2 =
P P
n i, 0 −E 0 |ki,
En En0 −E 0 .
k k
k6=n k6=n
2
Qualifying Exam Solutions, Quantum Mechanics, June 8, 2022
2. Consider the attractive central potential V (~r) = −Ω/r2 for a particle of mass
m, with Ω > 0.
2.a. (20 points) Write the differential equation for χl (r) = Rl (r)r, where Rl is
the radial part of the eigenfunction (see the mathematical formulas below). This
equation should only contain the radial variable r, not the angular variables θ , φ .
Note that Rl (r) must be finite at the origin r = 0, which gives a boundary condition
on χl (r) at r = 0. Furthermore, Rl (r) may depend on additional quantum numbers
(which are not essential to know for this exercise).
Solution: The spherical harmonic Ylm (θ , φ ) is an eigenfunction of ~L2 with
eigenvalue h̄2 l(l + 1). Multiplying the eigenvalue equation by 2m/h̄2 , after sub-
stituting h̄2 l(l + 1) for ~L2 , we find χl (r) satisfies the radial equation
d 2 χl (r)

l(l + 1)
+ ε − u(r) − χl (r) = 0,
dr2 r2
For the central potential u(r) = −L(L + 1)/r2 , the radial equation is
d 2 χl (r)

L(L + 1) − l(l + 1)
+ ε+ χl (r) = 0,
dr2 r2
2.b. (10 points) Next consider the scattering problem. Show that for the special
2
value Ω = h̄ L(L+1)
2m , L being a positive integer, the phase shift of the l = L partial
wave, is δL = Lπ/2. Do not forget the boundary condition at r = 0.
Solution: Recall that
∞
(2l + 1)il
ψ(r, θ ) = ∑ r χl (r)Pl (cos θ ),
l=0
where χl (r) satisfies the radial equation with ε = k2 .

d 2 χl (r)

2 L(L + 1) − l(l + 1)
+ k + χl (r) = 0,
dr2 r2
2
χL (r)
with u(r) = 2mV (r)/h̄2 . For l = L, we have d dr 2 + k2 χL (r) = 0. This must sat-
isfy the boundary condition that χL (0) = 0. Thus χL (r) = AL sin kr = AL sin(kr −
Lπ
2 + δL ) and δL = Lπ/2 (not zero, except for L = 0).
1
2
2.c. (10 points) If Ω = h̄m , what is the approximate form for the scattering ampli-
tude f (θ ), in terms of δ0 ? Include only the contribution from the first two phase
shifts, δ0 and δ1 . You do not have to find δ0 .
2 h̄2
This is the L = 1 case. For Ω = h̄m = 2m · 1(1 + 1), we have δ1 = π/2. Thus
e2iδ 1 = −1. Ignoring partial waves beyond l = 1, we have
1 1 2iδl e2iδ0 − 1 − 6 cos θ

f (θ ) ≈ ∑ (2l + 1)(e − 1)Pl (cos θ ) = .
2ik l=0 2ik
2
2.d. (10 points) Find the Born approximation for f (θ ) for Ω = h̄m .
Solution: The Born approximation for f (θ ), with u(r) = −Ω/r2 is
1 mΩ d 3 r −i(~k0 −~k)·~r
Z Z
~0 ~
f (θ ) = − d 3 r e−i(k −k)·~r u(~r) = e ,
4π 2π h̄2 r2
where (~k0 −~k)2 = 2k2 − 2k2 cos θ = 4k2 sin2 θ2 . Now
1 2π 2
Z
d 3 r e−ik·r = .
r2 k
Thus
mΩ 2π 2 πΩm πΩm
f (θ ) = = = .
2π h̄2 |~k0 −~k| 2h̄2 k| sin θ2 | 2h̄2 k sin θ2
For Ω = h̄2 /m, this is
π
f (θ ) = .
2k sin θ2
One drawback of the Born approximation is that it is purely real, so does not agree
well with the result of Part c.

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Solutions - Quantum Mechanics

August 2020 First Examination

We can solve now for |ml = 1 ms = − 21 i, to get

Assume the energy of the particle to be E > V0 > V1 .

k |A|2 − |B|2 = k1 |E|2

. Dividing both sides by k|A|2 we get:

Formulas for Part A

Angular Momentum Operators:

(II) Write the boundary condition in terms of ψ 0 /ψ at x = ±L/2 where ψ 0 = dψ/dx.

Answer: ψ 0 /ψ = −ine k at x = L/2 and ine k at x = −L/2.

2A0 φ0 + Aφ00 = −Aεg, 0 = (φ0 )2 − εf 2 .

P.1 continued on next page. . . Page 1 of 4

option to start with a simpler ansatz in the next question.

ψ 0 = (A0 + ikAφ0 )eikφ , 00

By dropping A00 , we find

2A0 φ0 + Aφ00 = Aki ((φ0 )2 − ε), 0 = kr ((φ0 )2 − ε).

one for even-parity and the other for odd-parity. Check:

Answer: Using the boundary condition at x = L/2, we find

P.1 continued on next page. . . Page 2 of 4

T /τ = mL2 /~τ = ~/(E1 − E0 )τ  1, (5)

which is the same condition as in (II).

P.2 continued on next page. . . Page 3 of 4

Using the property that D+ (x) ≈ (2x)−1 when x → +∞, we find

−i 0 h1|F x|0i h1|H1 |0i

which again confirms the adiabatic theorem.

QM Fall 2020 Page 1

QM Fall 2020 Page 2

QM Fall 2020 Page 3

QM Fall 2020 Page 1

QM Fall 2020 Page 2

QM Fall 2020 Page 3

QM Fall 2020 Page 4

Problem 1. Consider two observables Â and B̂ in a three-dimensional Hilbert space.

we have E10 = 1a , E20 = 2a , E30 = 6a.

Time-independent Perturbation Theory:

Graduate Physics Qualifying Exam Solutions,

2.a. (10 points) Substituting ψl (r, θ , φ ) = r−1 χl (r)Pl (cos θ ) into

2.b. (10 points) From the two wave equations above,

d 2 χl (r) d 2 χl0 ∗ (r) 2m

where we have replaced χl0 (r) by χl (r).

Some useful definitions and formulas:

Legendre polynomials Pl (z):

The partial wave expansion for positive-energy eigenfunctions. with ~k = kẑ:

Assume the Hamiltonian of the system to be

Ĥ = ASˆz2 + B(Sˆx2 − Sˆy2 ) .

Graduate Physics Qualifying Exam Solutions,

where ~F is the force given above.

It is acceptable to write this as either of the two expressions

where the index k is summed implicitly. This simplifies to

1.d) (5 points) Evaluate the commutator [Ĥ0 , Ĥp ].

Some useful definitions and formulas:

One-dimensional Harmonic oscillator:

[â, â† ] = 1, [Ĥ0 , â† ] = h̄ωâ† ,

Time-independent Perturbation Theory:

Qualifying Exam Solutions, Quantum Mechanics, June 8, 2022

where χl (r) satisfies the radial equation with ε = k2 .

1 1 2iδl e2iδ0 − 1 − 6 cos θ

where (~k0 −~k)2 = 2k2 − 2k2 cos θ = 4k2 sin2 θ2 . Now

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T /τ = mL2 /~τ = ~/(E1 − E0 )τ 1, (5)