Observables are represented by Hermitian Operators

Griffiths – Section 3.2 Observables

Hermitian operators naturally arise in quantum mechanics because their eigenvalues and
expectation values are real. Their eigenfunctions are orthogonal as well.

Hamiltonian Operator is Hermitian

Griffiths: Problem 3.4 Part d.

Consider the time independent Schrodinger equation:

ψ ψ

where the Hamiltonian. We claimed that is Hermitian.

Recall the complex inner product operation:

| ∗

Proof: Wanted to show that 〈 | 〉 〈 | 〉 for all . Now,

∗ ∗
∗ ∗
〈 | 〉
2 2

∗ ∗
∗ ∗
2 2

∗ ∗ ∗
∗ ∗
2 2

∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗
2 2

∗ ∗
2

Note:

(i) In the above proof, we use integration by parts twice.

 (ii) Since the Hamiltonian operator of the Schrodinger equation H is Hermitian, by
previous results, its eigenvalues, i.e. energy En is real and its eigenfunctions, i.e. the
eigenstates are orthogonal. If the eigenstates have been normalized, then they
are orthonormal. Also its expectation value 〈 〉 is also real.

Position and Momentum Operator are Hermitian

Griffiths: Problem 3.4 Part d.

Consider the position operator: .

Proof: Wanted to show that 〈 | 〉 〈 | 〉 for all . Now,

∞ ∞ ∞
∗ ∗
〈 | 〉 ∗
|
∞ ∞ ∞

Hence the position operator is Hermitian.

Consider the momentum operator: ̂ .

Proof: Wanted to show that 〈 ̂ | 〉 〈 | ̂ 〉 for all . Now,

∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
∗ ∗ ∗
〈 | 〉 ∗

∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ | ̂
̂

Hence the momentum operator ̂ is also Hermitian.

Note: Since Position, Momentum and Hamiltonian operator are Hermitian, they are self-
adjoint. In general, self-adjoint operator may not be equal to the complex conjugate
operator. For example,
∗
(i)

(ii) ̂ ̂ ̂∗

∗
(iii)