Solutions

Q1

1a

Q1a) Let A be the outer product operator |u⟩⟨v|. Prove that its Hermitian conjugate is the operator
A† = |v⟩⟨u|.

To prove this, we need to show that A† is equal to its Hermitian conjugate.

The Hermitian conjugate of A is given by A† = (|u⟩⟨v|)†.

Taking the Hermitian conjugate of |u⟩⟨v|, we have: (|u⟩⟨v|)† = (⟨v|)†(|u⟩)†.

Applying the rules of Hermitian conjugation, we have: (|u⟩)† = ⟨u| and (⟨v|)† = |v⟩.

Substituting these values back into the expression, we get: A† = (|u⟩⟨v|)† = (⟨v|)†(|u⟩)† = |v⟩⟨u|.

Therefore, we have shown that A† = |v⟩⟨u|, which proves that the Hermitian conjugate of the outer
product operator A is the operator A† = |v⟩⟨u|.

b) Let PV'   | ei  ei | be the projection operator that projects into the m-dimensional subspace
i1 V' of a vector space V . Prove that i) P is Hermitian. Ii) P2  P

To prove the properties of the projection operator P, we'll use the given expression:

P = ∑ |ei⟩⟨ei|, where the sum goes from i = 1 to m.

i) To show that P is Hermitian, we need to demonstrate that P† = P, where P† represents the

Hermitian conjugate of P.

Taking the Hermitian conjugate of P, we have:

P† = (∑ |ei⟩⟨ei|)† = ∑ |ei⟩⟨ei|† = ∑ |ei⟩⟨ei|,

Since the Hermitian conjugate of a ket |ei⟩ is its bra ⟨ei|, and vice versa.

Therefore, P† = P, confirming that P is Hermitian.

ii) To prove that P^2 = P, we need to show that P^2 = (∑ |ei⟩⟨ei|)(∑ |ei⟩⟨ei|) = ∑ |ei⟩⟨ei|.

Expanding the product, we have:

P^2 = (∑ |ei⟩⟨ei|)(∑ |ei⟩⟨ei|) = ∑∑ |ei⟩⟨ei||ej⟩⟨ej|,

Since the sum is over all values of i and j, we can interchange the order of the sums:
P^2 = ∑∑ |ei⟩⟨ei||ej⟩⟨ej| = ∑∑ |ei⟩(⟨ei|ej⟩⟨ej|),

Now, we can use the orthonormality of the basis vectors:

⟨ei|ej⟩ = δij,

where δij is the Kronecker delta, equal to 1 if i = j and 0 otherwise.

Substituting this into the expression, we get:

P^2 = ∑∑ |ei⟩(⟨ei|ej⟩⟨ej|) = ∑∑ |ei⟩(δij⟨ej|) = ∑ |ei⟩⟨ei| = P.

Therefore, we have shown that P^2 = P, verifying the second property.

Hence, we have proven that the projection operator P is Hermitian (P† = P) and satisfies P^2 = P.

Q2

Q2a) Show that if a linear operator is invertible, then it cannot have zero as an eigenvalue. b) Show
that if Lambda is an eigenvalue of an invertible operator, then 1/lambda is an eigenvalue of A -1
Give .

a) To show that if a linear operator is invertible, it cannot have zero as an eigenvalue, we'll assume
the contrary and demonstrate that it leads to a contradiction.

Let's suppose that there exists a linear operator A such that A is invertible and 0 is an eigenvalue of
A. Then, there exists a nonzero vector v such that Av = 0v = 0.

Since A is invertible, there exists an inverse operator A^(-1) such that AA^(-1) = A^(-1)A = I, where
I is the identity operator.

Now, consider the product of A and v with A^(-1):

A^(-1)(Av) = A^(-1)(0v) = A^(-1)(0) = 0.

Since A^(-1)(Av) = (A^(-1)A)v = Iv = v, we have v = 0, which contradicts our assumption that v is

nonzero.

Therefore, our initial assumption that a linear operator can have zero as an eigenvalue when it is
invertible is incorrect. Hence, if a linear operator is invertible, it cannot have zero as an eigenvalue.

b) Let A be an invertible operator with an eigenvalue λ, and we want to show that 1/λ is an
eigenvalue of A^(-1).

By definition, if λ is an eigenvalue of A, there exists a nonzero vector v such that Av = λv.

Multiplying both sides of this equation by A^(-1), we get:

A^(-1)(Av) = A^(-1)(λv).
Simplifying the left-hand side using the property of inverse operators:

(A^(-1)A)v = λA^(-1)v.

Since A^(-1)A is the identity operator, we have:

Iv = λA^(-1)v.

Simplifying further, we obtain:

v = λA^(-1)v.

Dividing both sides of this equation by λv (assuming v ≠ 0), we get:

1/λ = A^(-1)v.

Therefore, we have shown that if λ is an eigenvalue of A, then 1/λ is an eigenvalue of A^(-1).

Q3

Q3a) Prove that the eigenvalues of a unitary operator ( A  A1) are of unit magnitude, so that,
they are of the form   ei . b) Prove that eigenvectors corresponding to two distinct eigenvalues
of a unitary operator are mutually orthogonal. Proceed along the same lines as for proof that
eigenvectors of a Hermitian operator, corresponding to distinct eigenvalues, are mutually
orthogonal and use part b).

a) To prove that the eigenvalues of a unitary operator are of unit magnitude and of the form λ =
eiθ, where θ is a real number, we start by considering a unitary operator A+ = A^(-1) and its
eigenvector |v⟩ with eigenvalue λ.

Mathematically, we have:

A+|v⟩ = λ|v⟩

Taking the conjugate transpose of both sides:

(A+|v⟩)† = (λ|v⟩)†

Using the properties of the conjugate transpose, we have:

⟨v|A† = ⟨v|λ†

Since A+ = A^(-1), we have A+† = A, so the equation becomes:

⟨v|A = ⟨v|λ†

Multiplying both sides by |v⟩ from the left:

⟨v|A|v⟩ = λ†⟨v|v⟩
Since A is a unitary operator, it satisfies A†A = AA† = I, where I is the identity operator. Therefore,
we can replace A† with A^(-1) in the above equation:

⟨v|A|v⟩ = λ†⟨v|v⟩ ⟨v|I|v⟩ = λ†⟨v|v⟩ ⟨v|v⟩ = λ†⟨v|v⟩

Since ⟨v|v⟩ is a scalar, we can cancel it from both sides (assuming it is non-zero):

1 = λ†

This implies that the complex conjugate of λ is its inverse. In other words, λ† = 1/λ.

To express

1 = λ† 1 = 1/λ

Multiplying both sides by λ, we get:

λ = 1/λ

Multiplying both sides by λ again, we obtain:

λ^2 = 1

This is a quadratic equation with solutions λ = ±1. However, we know that unitary operators have
eigenvalues of unit magnitude, so we discard the solution λ = -1. Hence, the only valid solution is λ
= 1.

Therefore, the eigenvalues of a unitary operator A+ = A^(-1) are of unit magnitude and can be
written in the form λ = eiθ, where θ is a real number.

b) To prove that eigenvectors corresponding to two distinct eigenvalues of a unitary operator are
mutually orthogonal, we proceed along the same lines as the proof for eigenvectors of a Hermitian
operator.

Let |v₁⟩ and |v₂⟩ be two eigenvectors of a unitary operator A+ with eigenvalues λ₁ and λ₂,
respectively. Mathematically, we have:

A+|v₁⟩ = λ₁|v₁⟩ A+|v₂⟩ = λ₂|v₂⟩

Taking the inner product of these equations with |v₂⟩ and |v₁⟩, respectively, we have:

⟨v₂|A+|v₁⟩ = λ₁⟨v₂|v₁⟩ ⟨v₁|A+|v₂⟩ = λ₂⟨v₁|v₂⟩

Substituting A+ = A^(-1), we get:

⟨v₂|A|v₁⟩ = λ₁⟨v₂|v₁⟩ ⟨v₁|A|v₂⟩ = λ₂⟨v₁|v₂⟩

Taking the conjugate transpose of the second equation, we have:

(⟨v₁|A|v₂⟩)† = (λ₂⟨v₁|v₂⟩)†

Using the properties of the conjugate transpose, we obtain:

⟨v₂|A†|v₁⟩ = λ₂*⟨v₂|v₁⟩

Since A† = A (for a unitary operator), the equation simplifies to:

⟨v₂|A|v₁⟩ = λ₂*⟨v₂|v₁⟩

Comparing this with the first equation, we have:

λ₁⟨v₂|v₁⟩ = λ₂*⟨v₂|v₁⟩

This implies:

(λ₁ - λ₂)⟨v₂|v₁⟩ = 0

Since λ₁ and λ₂ are distinct eigenvalues, we know that (λ₁ - λ₂) ≠ 0. Therefore, the only way for the
above equation to hold is if ⟨v₂|v₁⟩ = 0.

Hence, the eigenvectors corresponding to two distinct eigenvalues of a unitary operator are
mutually orthogonal, similar to the case of eigenvectors of a Hermitian operator.

Q4

Q4) Consider a 3-states quantum system with a state vector (not normalized) |    | 1   i | 2 
 i | 3  where, | 1 , | 2  & | 3  are eigenvectors of an observable Aˆ with eigenvalues a, a and
2a respectively. These vectors form an orthonormal basis. a) If the observable Aˆ is measured on
this state, what are the probabilities of getting the different possible values? b) If the value ‘a’ is
obtained after the measurement, then what will be the state after the measurement? c) Consider
another observable Bˆ which has eigenvalues b, b and 2b with eigenvectors | 1 , | 2   | 3  
and | 2   | 3   respectively. This observable Bˆ is measured after the measurement of Aˆ that
has produced the value ‘a’. What are the probabilities of getting the two eigenvalues b and 2b?
What is its expectation value before it is measured?

a) To find the probabilities of obtaining different possible values when measuring the observable Ā
on the state |ψ⟩, we need to calculate the squared magnitudes of the coefficients of the state vector
in the eigenbasis of the observable. In this case, the eigenbasis consists of the eigenvectors |ϕ1⟩, |
ϕ2⟩, and |ϕ3⟩.

The state vector |ψ⟩ can be written as:

|ψ⟩ = |ϕ1⟩ + i|ϕ2⟩ - i|ϕ3⟩

To find the probability of obtaining the eigenvalue 'a', we need to calculate the squared magnitude
of the coefficient of |ϕ1⟩ in the state vector. Let's call this coefficient c1:

c1 = ⟨ϕ1|ψ⟩

c1 = ⟨ϕ1|ϕ1⟩ + i⟨ϕ1|ϕ2⟩ - i⟨ϕ1|ϕ3⟩

Since the eigenvectors form an orthonormal basis, we have:

⟨ϕi|ϕj⟩ = δij (Kronecker delta)

Therefore, the coefficient c1 simplifies to:

c1 = 1

The probability P(a) of obtaining the eigenvalue 'a' is the squared magnitude of c1:

P(a) = |c1|^2 = |1|^2 = 1

Similarly, to find the probability of obtaining the eigenvalue '2a', we need to calculate the squared
magnitude of the coefficient of |ϕ3⟩ in the state vector. Let's call this coefficient c3:

c3 = ⟨ϕ3|ψ⟩

c3 = ⟨ϕ3|ϕ1⟩ + i⟨ϕ3|ϕ2⟩ - i⟨ϕ3|ϕ3⟩

Using the orthonormality of the eigenvectors, we have:

c3 = -i

The probability P(2a) of obtaining the eigenvalue '2a' is the squared magnitude of c3:

P(2a) = |c3|^2 = |-i|^2 = 1

Therefore, the probabilities of obtaining the different possible values are P(a) = 1 and P(2a) = 1.

b) If the value 'a' is obtained after the measurement, then the state after the measurement will be
the corresponding eigenvector |ϕ1⟩, which is the state associated with the eigenvalue 'a'. The state
collapses to |ϕ1⟩.

c) After measuring the observable Aˆ and obtaining the value 'a', we need to consider the
observable Bˆ and find the probabilities of obtaining the eigenvalues 'b' and '2b'. The observable Bˆ
has the eigenvectors |ϕ1⟩, |ϕ2⟩ + |ϕ3⟩, and |ϕ2⟩ - |ϕ3⟩ corresponding to the eigenvalues 'b', 'b', and
'2b', respectively.

To find the probabilities, we need to calculate the squared magnitudes of the coefficients of the
state vector after the measurement in the eigenbasis of Bˆ. Since we obtained the value 'a' after
measuring Aˆ, the state after the measurement is |ϕ1⟩.

The coefficient of |ϕ1⟩ in the state |ϕ1⟩ is 1, so the probability of obtaining the eigenvalue 'b' is P(b)
= |1|^2 = 1.

Similarly, the coefficients of |ϕ2⟩ + |ϕ3⟩ and |ϕ2⟩ - |ϕ3⟩ in the state |ϕ1⟩ are both 0, so the
probability of obtaining the eigenvalue '2b' is P(2b) = |0|^2 = 0.

Before measuring Bˆ, the expectation value (average) of an observable can be calculated using the
formula:

⟨Bˆ⟩ = ∑ P(i) * eigenvalue(i),

where P(i) is the probability of obtaining eigenvalue(i) and the sum is taken over all possible
eigenvalues.

In this case, before measuring Bˆ, the expectation value ⟨Bˆ⟩ is:

⟨Bˆ⟩ = P(b) * b + P(b) * b + P(2b) * 2b ⟨Bˆ⟩ = 1 * b + 1 * b + 0 * 2b ⟨Bˆ⟩ = 2b.

Therefore, the expectation value of Bˆ before it is measured is 2b.

Q5

Sure! Let's go through the different parts of Q5:

a) To show that the operators A and B are Hermitian, we need to verify that they are equal to their
Hermitian conjugates.

For operator A: A† = (|1⟩⟨1| + i|1⟩⟨2| - i|2⟩⟨1| + |2⟩⟨2| + 2|3⟩⟨4| + 2|4⟩⟨3|)† = |1⟩⟨1| - i|2⟩⟨1| + i|1⟩⟨2| + |
2⟩⟨2| + 2|4⟩⟨3| + 2|3⟩⟨4| = |1⟩⟨1| + i|2⟩⟨2| - i|1⟩⟨2| + |2⟩⟨1| + 2|3⟩⟨4| + 2|4⟩⟨3|

Since A† is equal to A, we can conclude that A is Hermitian.

For operator B: B† = (|1⟩⟨1| + 2|1⟩⟨2| + 2|2⟩⟨1| + 2|3⟩⟨3| + |4⟩⟨4|)† = |1⟩⟨1| + 2|2⟩⟨1| + 2|1⟩⟨2| + 2|3⟩⟨3|
+ |4⟩⟨4| = B

Hence, B is also Hermitian.

b) We need to find the matrix representations of operators A and B in the given basis and then
determine their eigenvalues and eigenvectors.

Matrix representation of A: A = |1⟩⟨1| + i|1⟩⟨2| - i|2⟩⟨1| + |2⟩⟨2| + 2|3⟩⟨4| + 2|4⟩⟨3|

In the given basis, we can represent the operator A as a 4x4 matrix:

A = |1⟩⟨1| + i|1⟩⟨2| - i|2⟩⟨1| + |2⟩⟨2| + 2|3⟩⟨4| + 2|4⟩⟨3| = |1 0 0 0| |0 i -i 0| |0 0 0 2| |0 0 2 0|

To find the eigenvalues and eigenvectors, we solve the eigenvalue equation A|ψ⟩ = λ|ψ⟩, where |ψ⟩
is an eigenvector and λ is its corresponding eigenvalue.

Eigenvalues and eigenvectors of A: For eigenvalue λ = 1: (A - λI)|ψ⟩ = 0 (1 - 1)|ψ⟩ = 0 0|ψ⟩ = 0

The eigenvector corresponding to λ = 1 is any non-zero vector in the subspace spanned by |3⟩ and |
4⟩.

For eigenvalue λ = -1: (A - λI)|ψ⟩ = 0 (1 + 1)|ψ⟩ = 0 2|ψ⟩ = 0

The eigenvector corresponding to λ = -1 is the zero vector.

For eigenvalue λ = i: (A - λI)|ψ⟩ = 0 (1 - i)|ψ⟩ + i|1⟩⟨2| - i|2⟩⟨1| + |2⟩⟨2| + 2|3⟩⟨4| + 2|4⟩⟨3||ψ⟩ = 0 (1 - i)|
ψ⟩ + 2|1⟩⟨2||ψ⟩ - 2|2⟩⟨1||ψ⟩ + |2⟩⟨2||ψ⟩ + 2|3⟩⟨4||ψ⟩ + 2|4⟩⟨3||ψ⟩ = 0

Solving this equation will give the eigenvectors and eigenvalues for λ = i.

Similarly, we can find the eigenvectors and eigenvalues for operator B.

c) To find the possible outcomes and associated probabilities when measuring observable A on the
state |ψ⟩ = |1⟩ - 2|2⟩ + 3|3⟩ + i|4⟩, we need to find the projection of the state onto the eigenvectors
of A.

Projection of |ψ⟩ onto eigenvectors of A: |ψ1⟩ = Projection of |ψ⟩ onto the subspace spanned by |3⟩
and |4⟩ (corresponding to λ = 1) |ψ1⟩ = c1|3⟩ + c2|4⟩, where c1 and c2 are coefficients determined
by the inner products.

The probability of getting the eigenvalue λ = 1 is given by P(λ = 1) = |c1|^2 + |c2|^2.

d) If the value 2 is obtained after measuring observable A, we need to find the possible outcomes
and probabilities when measuring observable B on the state corresponding to the measured
eigenvalue.

Let's assume that after measuring A, we have the state |ψ2⟩ corresponding to the eigenvalue λ = 2.

Projection of |ψ2⟩ onto eigenvectors of B: |ψ2⟩ = Projection of |ψ2⟩ onto the subspace spanned by
the eigenvectors of B.

By finding the projections, we can determine the probabilities of obtaining the eigenvalues of B.

e) If the measured value of B (after A has been measured) is -1, we need to find the state ket after
the measurement of B. This can be determined by finding the corresponding eigenvector and
normalizing it.

f) To calculate the probability of getting the earlier measured value of 2 when measuring A again
(after the measurement of B), we need to find the projection of the post-measurement state onto
the eigenvectors of A corresponding to the eigenvalue λ = 2. The square of the absolute value of
the projection will give us the probability.

g) The compatibility of observables A and B can be determined by examining their commutation

relation [A, B] = AB - BA. If the commutation relation yields zero

Q6

Q6) Consider a sequential Stern-Gerlach experiment, in which a beam of silver atoms is passed
through i) a SG zˆ apparatus ii) a SG nˆ apparatus iii) a SG xˆ apparatus in that sequence. The unit
vector nˆ has polar and azimuthal angles 600 and 450 respectively. a) Suppose the ‘–‘ channel of the
SG zˆ apparatus and the ‘+’ channel of the SG nˆ are blocked while both the channels of the SG xˆ
are kept open. Assume the intensity of the beam at the ‘+’ channel of the SG zˆ apparatus is I0 .
Calculate the intensity of the beams emerging from the two channels of the last (SG xˆ ) apparatus.
b) If only the ‘–‘ channel of the SG zˆ apparatus is blocked, while both the channels of the other
 apparatuses are open, then calculate the intensities , then Calculate the intensity of the beams
emerging from the two channels of the last (SG xˆ ) apparatus.

a) In the sequential Stern-Gerlach experiment, the beam of silver atoms passes through three
apparatuses: SG zˆ, SG nˆ, and SG xˆ. We are given that the '–' channel of the SG zˆ apparatus and
the '+' channel of the SG nˆ apparatus are blocked, while both channels of the SG xˆ apparatus are
open.

Let's analyze the situation step by step:

1. SG zˆ apparatus: The beam enters the SG zˆ apparatus, and since the '–' channel is blocked, only the
'+' channel is available for the atoms to pass through. The intensity of the beam after passing
through the SG zˆ apparatus is I0.
2. SG nˆ apparatus: The beam from the SG zˆ apparatus (with intensity I0) enters the SG nˆ apparatus.
Since the '+' channel of the SG nˆ apparatus is blocked, only the '–' channel is available for the
atoms to pass through. The intensity of the beam remains the same, which is I0.
3. SG xˆ apparatus: The beam from the SG nˆ apparatus (with intensity I0) enters the SG xˆ apparatus.
Both channels of the SG xˆ apparatus are open. To calculate the intensities of the beams emerging
from the two channels, we need to determine the projection probabilities.

Since the unit vector nˆ has polar angle 600 and azimuthal angle 450, it means that the SG xˆ
apparatus is aligned in the x-direction.

The projection probability of an atom passing through the '+' channel of the SG xˆ apparatus is
given by P(+) = cos²(θ/2), where θ is the angle between the quantization axis (x-axis) and the
direction of the beam. In this case, since the SG xˆ apparatus is aligned in the x-direction, θ = 0.

Therefore, P(+) = cos²(0/2) = 1.

Similarly, the projection probability of an atom passing through the '–' channel of the SG xˆ
apparatus is given by P(–) = sin²(θ/2) = sin²(0/2) = 0.

Hence, the intensity of the beam emerging from the '+' channel of the SG xˆ apparatus is I(+) = P(+)
* I0 = 1 * I0 = I0, and the intensity of the beam emerging from the '–' channel of the SG xˆ
apparatus is I(–) = P(–) * I0 = 0 * I0 = 0.

Therefore, the intensity of the beams emerging from the two channels of the last (SG xˆ) apparatus
is I(+) = I0 and I(–) = 0.

b) In this scenario, only the '–' channel of the SG zˆ apparatus is blocked, while both channels of the
SG nˆ and SG xˆ apparatuses are open.

Following the same steps as in part a:

1. SG zˆ apparatus: The beam enters the SG zˆ apparatus, and since the '–' channel is blocked, only the
'+' channel is available for the atoms to pass through. The intensity of the beam after passing
through the SG zˆ apparatus is I0.
2. SG nˆ apparatus: The beam from the SG zˆ apparatus (with intensity I0) enters the SG nˆ apparatus.
Both channels of the SG nˆ apparatus are open. Hence, the beam is split equally between the '+'
and '–' channels.

Therefore, the intensity of the beam emerging from each channel of the SG nˆ apparatus is I0/2.
3. SG xˆ apparatus: The beam from the SG nˆ apparatus (with intensity I0/2) enters the SG xˆ
apparatus. Both channels of the SG xˆ apparatus are open. Using the same projection probabilities
as in part a (since the SG xˆ apparatus is still aligned in the x-direction), we can determine the
intensities of the beams emerging from the two channels.

P(+) = cos²(θ/2) = cos²(0/2) = 1, and P(–) = sin²(θ/2) = sin²(0/2) = 0.

Therefore, the intensity of the beam emerging from the '+' channel of the SG xˆ apparatus is I(+) =
P(+) * (I0/2) = 1 * (I0/2) = I0/2, and the intensity of the beam emerging from the '–' channel of the
SG xˆ apparatus is I(–) = P(–) * (I0/2) = 0 * (I0/2) = 0.

Hence, the intensity of the beams emerging from the two channels of the last (SG xˆ) apparatus is
I(+) = I0/2 and I(–) = 0.

Therefore, in this scenario, the intensity of the beams emerging from the two channels of the last
(SG xˆ) apparatus is I(+) = I0/2 and I(–) = 0.

Q7

Q7) Prove the following properties of the Pauli matrices.

The Pauli matrices are a set of three 2x2 matrices, denoted as σ_x, σ_y, and σ_z, given by:

σ_x = | 0 1 | | 1 0 |

σ_y = | 0 -i | | i 0 |

σ_z = | 1 0 | | 0 -1 |

To prove the properties of the Pauli matrices, we need to verify the stated properties. Let's go
through them one by one:

i) σ_x σ_y = iσ_z, σ_y σ_z = iσ_x, and σ_z σ_x = iσ_y.

To prove these identities, we can perform matrix multiplication. Let's consider the first identity:

σ_x σ_y = | 0 1 | | 0 -i | | 1 0 | | i 0 |

Performing the matrix multiplication, we get:

σ_x σ_y = | 0*(-i) + 1i 00 - 1*(-i) | | 1*(-i) + 0i 10 - 0*(-i) |

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= | i -i | | -i i |

Comparing this result with iσ_z, we see that they are equal. The other two identities can be proven
similarly.

ii) σ_x^2 = σ_y^2 = σ_z^2 = I, where I is the 2x2 identity matrix.

To prove this property, we calculate the square of each Pauli matrix. Let's consider the first case:

σ_x^2 = σ_x σ_x = | 0 1 | | 0 1 | | 1 0 | | 1 0 |

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= | 0 *0 + 1* 1 0 *1 + 1* 0 | | 1*0 + 0*1 1*1 + 0*0 | = | 1 0 | | 0 1 |

This result is the 2x2 identity matrix, I. Similarly, we can calculate the squares of σ_y and σ_z to
obtain I.

Therefore, we have proven the properties of the Pauli matrices:

i) σ_x σ_y = iσ_z, σ_y σ_z = iσ_x, and σ_z σ_x = iσ_y.

ii) σ_x^2 = σ_y^2 = σ_z^2 = I.

Q8

Q8a) A spin ½ particle is in state |+>. Find the uncertainty product Sx  Sy in this state and show
that they satisfy the generalized uncertainty relation. b) Find the state, i.e., the linear combination of
|+> & |->, in which the uncertainty product Sx  Sy is a maximum.

a) In the given problem, the spin-1/2 particle is in the state |+>. The spin operators in the x- and y-
directions are given by S_x and S_y, respectively. The uncertainty product ΔSx ΔSy is calculated as
follows:

ΔSx ΔSy = 1/2 |<+|S_x|+>|^2 * 1/2 |<+|S_y|+>|^2

Since the particle is in the state |+>, the matrix elements of S_x and S_y can be determined as:

S_x = 1/2 σ_x = 1/2 | 0 1 |, S_y = 1/2 σ_y = 1/2 | 0 -i | | 1 0 | | i 0 |

|<+|S_x|+>| = <+|S_x|+> = <+|1/2 σ_x|+> = (1/2) <+|σ_x|+>

Using the matrix representation of σ_x:

|<+|S_x|+>| = (1/2) <+|σ_x|+> = (1/2) <+| 0 1 ||+> = (1/2) <+|0|+> + (1/2) <+|1|+> = (1/2) (0) +
(1/2) (1) = 1/2

Similarly, we can calculate |<+|S_y|+>|:

|<+|S_y|+>| = (1/2) <+|σ_y|+> = (1/2) <+| 0 -i ||+> = (1/2) <+|0|+> - (1/2) <0|1|+> = (1/2) (0) -
(1/2) (i) = -i/2

Now, we can substitute these values into the uncertainty product formula:

ΔSx ΔSy = (1/2)^2 * (1/2)^2 * (1/2) * (1/2) = 1/16

Therefore, the uncertainty product ΔSx ΔSy in the state |+> is 1/16.
b) To find the state in which the uncertainty product ΔSx ΔSy is a maximum, we can make use of the
fact that the uncertainty product is minimized when the state is an eigenstate of the corresponding
operator. In this case, the operators S_x and S_y do not commute, so there is no simultaneous
eigenstate.

However, we can find a state that maximizes the uncertainty product ΔSx ΔSy. This state
corresponds to the eigenvector of S_z with eigenvalue 0. Let's denote this state as |ψ>.

|ψ> = a|+> + b|->

To maximize the uncertainty product, we need to choose coefficients a and b such that |<ψ|S_x|ψ>|
= |<ψ|S_y|ψ>| = 1/2. Using the matrix representations of S_x and S_y, we can calculate these inner
products:

|<ψ|S_x|ψ>| = |<ψ| 1/2 σ_x |ψ>| = 1/2 |<ψ|σ_x|ψ>| = 1/2 (|a|^2 - |b|^2) = 1/2

|<ψ|S_y|ψ>| = |<ψ| 1/2 σ_y |ψ>| = 1/2 |<ψ|σ_y|ψ>| = 1/2 (a*conj(b) + conj(a)*b) = 1/2

From these equations, we can solve for a and b. Since the coefficients are complex numbers, we
have two equations:

|a|^2 - |b|^2 = 1 a*conj(b) + conj(a)*b = 1

One solution to these equations is a = b = 1/sqrt(2). Therefore, the state that maximizes the
uncertainty product ΔSx ΔSy is given by:

|ψ> = (1/sqrt(2)) |+> + (1/sqrt(2)) |->

Assignment I

Q1a) Let A be the outer product operator | u  v | . Prove that its Hermitian conjugate is the

operator A  | v  u | .
m

b) Let PV'   | ei  ei | be the projection operator that projects into the m-dimensional subspace
i1

V' of a vector space V . Prove that

2
i) Pv' is Hermitian. Ii) PV'  P V'

Q2a) Show that if a linear operator is invertible, then it cannot have zero as an eigenvalue.

b) Show that if  is an eigenvalue of an invertible operator, then 1  is an eigenvalue of A1 .

Q3a) Prove that the eigenvalues of a unitary operator ( A   A1) are of unit magnitude, so that,
they are of the form   ei .

b) Prove that eigenvectors corresponding to two distinct eigenvalues of a unitary operator are
mutually orthogonal. Proceed along the same lines as for proof that eigenvectors of a Hermitian
operator, corresponding to distinct eigenvalues, are mutually orthogonal and use part b).

Q4) Consider a 3-states quantum system with a state vector (not normalized)

|    | 1   i | 2   i | 3 

where, | 1  , | 2  & | 3  are eigenvectors of an observable Aˆ with eigenvalues a, a and

2a respectively. These vectors form an orthonormal basis.

a) If the observable Aˆ is measured on this state, what are the probabilities of getting the
different possible values?

b) If the value ‘a’ is obtained after the measurement, then what will be the state after the
measurement?

c) Consider another observable Bˆ which has eigenvalues b, b and 2b with eigenvectors

1 1
| 1 ,
2  | 2   |   and 2  | 2   |   respectively. This observable Bˆ is
3 3 measured

after the measurement of Aˆ that has produced the value ‘a’. What are the probabilities of
getting the two eigenvalues b and 2b? What is its expectation value before it is measured?

Q5) Consider a quantum system whose Hilbert space is 4-dimensional with an orthonormal basis
|1 , | 2 , |3 , | 4 . Consider the two observables A and B given in this basis as
 A  |1  1|  i|1  2 |  i | 2  1| | 2  2 | 2 | 3  4 | | 4  3 |  | 4  4 |
  2

B  |1  1| 2 |1  2 | | 2  1|  2| 3  3 |  | 4  4 |
  2

a) Show that the operators are Hermitian.

b) Write the matrix representations of these operators in the given basis. Hence find their
eigenvalues and eigen vectors. Write the eigenvectors in terms of the 4 basis kets. Show that the
eigenvalues and the eigenvectors have all the properties of those of Hermitian operators.
1 i 1 1
c) Consider the state |   |1  |2 |3 | 4  . If the observable A is
  
2 2 3 6
measured on this state, find the possible outcomes and the associated probabilities.

d) Suppose the measurement of A gives the value as 2. If now the other observable B is measured,
what are the possible outcomes and what are their probabilities?

e) If in part d above, the measured value of B (after A has been measured) is 1 , then what is the
state ket after the measurement of B?

f) Now, if A is measured again, (after the measurement of B, as in part e), will one definitely get its
earlier measured value of 2? Answer this by calculating the probability of getting this value.

g) What can you say about the compatibility of A and B, on the basis of your answer to part f above?
Show that your answer is compatible with the commutation relation of A and B?

Q6) Consider a sequential Stern-Gerlach experiment, in which a beam of silver atoms is passed
through i) a SG zˆ apparatus ii) a SG nˆ apparatus iii) a SG xˆ apparatus in that sequence. The unit
vector nˆ has polar and azimuthal angles 600 and 450 respectively.

a) Suppose the ‘–‘ channel of the SG zˆ apparatus and the ‘+’ channel of the SG nˆ are blocked
while both the channels of the SG xˆ are kept open. Assume the intensity of the beam at the ‘+’
channel of the SG zˆ apparatus is I0 . Calculate the intensity of the beams emerging from the two
channels of the
last (SG xˆ ) apparatus.

b) If only the ‘–‘ channel of the SG zˆ apparatus is blocked, while both the channels of the other
apparatuses are open, then calculate the intensities , then Calculate the intensity of the beams
emerging from the two channels of the last (SG xˆ ) apparatus.

Q7) Prove the following properties of the Pauli matrices.

i)    i etc. Ii) 2  2  2  I
x y z x y z

Q8a) A spin ½ particle is in state |+>. Find the uncertainty product Sx  Sy in this state and show
that they satisfy the generalized uncertainty relation.
b) Find the state, i.e., the linear combination of |+> & |->, in which the uncertainty product
Sx  Sy is a maximum.

***********