Final Solutions 2018

Advanced Quantum Mechanics: Fall 2018
Final Exam: Brief Solutions

NOTE: Sentences in italic fonts are questions to be answered.
Possibly Useful facts:



 +1, abc = xyz, or yzx, or zxy; 
  1, a = b;
• abc ≡ −1, abc = zyx, or xzy, or yxz; abc = bca = −acb . δab ≡

 6 b.
 0, a =
 0,

otherwise.
• Some Taylor expansions: exp(x) = ∞ xn x2 x3 4

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n=0 n! = 1 + x + 2 + 6 + O(x ),
√
1 + x = 1 + 12 x − 81 x2 + 16
1 3 1
x + O(x4 ), √1+x = 1 − 12 x + 38 x2 − 16
5 3
x + O(x4 ).
P+∞ 1
• Baker-Hausdorff formula: exp(Â) · B̂ · exp(−Â) = B̂ + n=1 n! [Â, [Â, . . . [Â, B̂] . . . ]].
| {z }
n-fold commutator
• Spin (angular momentum) operators satisfy [Ŝa , Ŝb ] = i

P
c abc Ŝc . (a, b, c = x, y, z)
2
Ŝa2 commutes with Ŝx,y,z . Basis |S, mi satisfy, Ŝz |S, mi = m|S, mi,
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– Ŝ ≡ a
2
Ŝ |S, mi = S(S + 1)|S, mi. 2S is non-negative integer, m = −S, −S + 1, . . . , S.
– Ladder operators Ŝ± ≡ Ŝx ± iŜy , and [Ŝz , Ŝ± ] = ±Ŝ± , and
p
Ŝ± |S, Sz = mi = (S ∓ m)(S ± m + 1)|S, Sz = m ± 1i.
– e−iθn·Ŝ · Ŝa · eiθn·Ŝ = b Ŝb · [Rn (θ)]ba . SO(3) matrix for rotation around axis n
P
P
by angle θ is [Rn (θ)]ab = na nb + cos θ(δab − na nb ) − sin θ c abc nc , here n is 3D
unit-length real vector, n · Ŝ ≡ nx Ŝx + ny Ŝy + nz Ŝz .
– Ŝ i · Ŝ j ≡ Ŝiz Ŝjz + Ŝix Ŝjx + Ŝiy Ŝjy = Ŝiz Ŝjz + 21 (Ŝi+ Ŝj− + Ŝi− Ŝj+ ).
• Spin-1/2: Ŝa = σa /2 under 

the Ŝz eigenbasis

(a

= x, y, 
z). 
0 −i
. {σa , σb } = 2δab 1.
0 1 1 0
Pauli matrices σa are σx =   , σy =   , σz =  
1 0 i 0 0 −1
exp(−iθn · σ) = cos(θ)1 − i sin(θ)(n · σ). |Ŝz = ± 21 i are denoted by | ↑i and | ↓i.

     
0 1 0 0 −i 0 1 0 0
     
• Spin-1: Ŝx = √1
2

1 0 1



, Ŝy = √1
2
i


0 −i


, Ŝz = 
0

0

0 

, under the Ŝz eigenbasis.
0 1 0 0 i 0 0 0 −1
• The D3 group: {(C3 )(n mod 3)

(σ)(m mod 2)
|C33 = σ 2 = C3 σC3 σ = 1}.
6 elements, 3 conjugacy classes, {1}, {C3 , C32 }, and {σ, C3 σ, C32 σ}. 1 2C3 3σ
Γ1 1 1 1
Character table χΓi for irreducible representations (irrep)
Γ2 1 1 -1
Γ1,2,3 is given on the right. Γ3 2 -1 0
Adv. Quan. Mech., Fall 2018 1/15

Problem 1. (30 points) Consider two spin-1 moments, Ŝ 1 and Ŝ 2 . They satisfy
2 2
[Ŝi,a , Ŝj,b ] = δi,j c iabc Ŝi,c (here a, b, c label x, y, z components), Ŝ 1 = Ŝ 2 = 1 · (1 + 1) = 2.
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A complete orthonormal basis for the 9-dimensional Hilbert space is the Ŝz -basis, |S1,z i|S2,z i.
Here Si,z = 1, 0, −1 are eigenvalues of Ŝi,z for i = 1, 2 respectively. The matrix elements of
Ŝi,a for i = 1, 2 and a = x, y, z under Sz -basis are given on page 1.
(a) (10pts) Write down all the eigenvalues and normalized eigenstates (in terms of
Ŝz -basis) of Ĥ0 = −J · Ŝ 1 · Ŝ 2 . Here J > 0. [Hint: Ĥ0 is related to (Ŝ 1 + Ŝ 2 )2 ]
(b) (3pts) Define χ̂z = Ŝ1,x Ŝ2,y − Ŝ1,y Ŝ2,x . Show by explicit calculation that [χ̂z , Ŝz ] = 0.
Here Ŝz ≡ Ŝ1,z + Ŝ2,z .
(c) (5pts) Compute exp[−iθ · (Ŝ1,z − Ŝ2,z )] · χ̂z · exp[iθ · (Ŝ1,z − Ŝ2,z )]. θ is a real number.
The result should be a finite-degree polynomial of spin operators. [Hint: check page 1]
(d) (7pts) The full Hamiltonian is Ĥ = Ĥ0 + Dχ̂z . D is a real “small” parameter.
Solve the perturbed energy eigenvalue(s) of Ĥ corresponding to the original ground state(s)
to second order of D. [Hint: the original ground states of Ĥ0 are degenerate, but you
can avoid degenerate perturbation theory by dividing Hilbert space by symmetry; some
previous results might help]
(0)
(e) (5pts**) Denote the ground states of Ĥ0 in (a) by |ψ0,α i where α labels degenerate
states. Let |ψ(t = 0)i = |S1,z = +1i|S2,z = −1i, and |ψ(t)i = e−iĤ·t/h̄ |ψ(t = 0)i. Compute
(0)
the “ground state probability” P0 (|ψ(t)i) = α |hψ0,α |ψ(t)i|2 by time-dependent perturbation
P
theory to second order of D. [Hint: |ψ(t = 0)i is NOT Ĥ0 eigenstate, but interaction picture
can still be used, |hψ0,α |ψ(t)i|2 = |hψ0,α |ÛI (t)|ψ(t = 0)i|2 , where ÛI (t) = eiĤ0 ·t/h̄ e−iĤ·t/h̄ ; due
(0) (0)
(0)
to some symmetry, you do not need to compute hψ0,α |ψ(t)i for every α]
Solution
(a) This is exactly the same as Homework #6 Problem 1(1).
Ĥ0 = − J2 (Ŝ 1 + Ŝ 2 )2 + 2J.
The total spin quantum number can be 2 or 1 or 0, “1 ⊗ 1 = 2 ⊕ 1 ⊕ 0”.

The basis states |S1+2 , S1+2,z i are eigenstates of Ĥ0 , and can be built in similar way as
that of Homework #5 Problem 3(a,b). First solve the highest Sz state in each total S1+2
subspace, then the other states can be obtained by applications of lowering ladder operators.
• |S1+2 = 2, S1+2,z = 2i = |1i|1i.
• Suppose |S1+2 = 1, S1+2,z = 1i = c1 |1i|0i + c2 |0i|1i, then by 0 = Ŝ1+2,+ |S1+2 =

√
1, S1+2,z = 1i = (Ŝ1,+ + Ŝ2,+ )(c1 |1i|0i+c2 |0i|1i) = 2(c1 +c2 )|1i|1i, we have c2 = −c1 .
The normalized state |S1+2 = 1, S1+2,z = 1i = √1 (|1i|0i − |0i|1i).
2
• Suppose |S1+2 = 0, S1+2,z = 0i = c1 |1i| − 1i + c2 |0i|0i + c3 | − 1i|0i, then by 0 =

Ŝ1+2,+ |S1+2 = 0, S1+2,z = 0i = (Ŝ1,+ + Ŝ2,+ )(c1 |1i| − 1i + c2 |0i|0i + c3 | − 1i|0i) =
√ √
2(c1 + c2 )|1i|0i + 2(c2 + c3 )|0i|1i, we have c2 = −c1 and c3 = −c2 . The normalized
state |S1+2 = 0, S1+2,z = 0i = √1 (|1i| − 1i − |0i|0i + | − 1i|1i).
3
Ĥ0 eigenvalue S1+2 S1+2,z state

−J 2 2 |1i|1i
−J 2 1 √1 (|1i|0i + |0i|1i)
2
1
−J 2 0 √ (|1i| − 1i + 2|0i|0i + |
6
− 1i|1i)
−J 2 −1 √1 (|0i| − 1i + | − 1i|0i)
2
−J 2 −2 | − 1i| − 1i
J 1 1 √1 (|1i|0i − |0i|1i)
2
1
√ (|1i| − 1i − | − 1i|1i)
J 1 0 2
J 1 −1 √1 (|0i| − 1i − | − 1i|0i)
2
1
√ (|1i| − 1i − |0i|0i + | −
2J 0 0 3
1i|1i)
(b) This is part of Homework #6 Problem 1(2).

[Ŝ1,z + Ŝ2,z , Ŝ1,x Ŝ2,y − Ŝ1,y Ŝ2,x ] = iŜ1,y Ŝ2,y − (−iŜ1,x )Ŝ2,x + Ŝ1,x (−iŜ2,x ) − Ŝ1,y (iŜ2,y ) = 0.
This can also be proved by χ̂z = 12 (iŜ1,+ Ŝ2,− − iŜ1,− Ŝ2,+ ), and [Ŝ1,z + Ŝ2,z , Ŝi,± ] = ±Ŝi,± .
(c) Method #1: use the results on page 1,
e−iθŜz Ŝx eiθŜz = Ŝx cos θ + Ŝy sin θ, e−iθŜz Ŝy eiθŜz = Ŝy cos θ − Ŝx sin θ.
Then exp[−iθ · (Ŝ1,z − Ŝ2,z )] · χ̂z · exp[iθ · (Ŝ1,z − Ŝ2,z )]
= (Ŝ1,x cos θ + Ŝ1,y sin θ)(Ŝ2,y cos θ + Ŝ2,x sin θ) − (Ŝ1,y cos θ − Ŝ1,x sin θ)(Ŝ2,x cos θ − Ŝ2,y sin θ)
= cos(2θ)χ̂z + sin(2θ)(Ŝ1,x Ŝ2,x + Ŝ1,y Ŝ2,y ) .

Method #2: directly use Baker-Hausdorff formula,
let Â = − 21 i(Ŝ1,z − Ŝ2,z ), B̂ = χ̂z , Ĉ = (Ŝ1,x Ŝ2,x + Ŝ1,y Ŝ2,y ), then [Â, B̂] = Ĉ, [Â, Ĉ] = −B̂.
use the result of Homework #1 Problem 5, exp[−iθ · (Ŝ1,z − Ŝ2,z )] · χ̂z · exp[iθ · (Ŝ1,z − Ŝ2,z )]
= exp(2θÂ)B̂ exp(−2θÂ) = B̂ cos(2θ) + Ĉ sin(2θ)
= cos(2θ)χ̂z + sin(2θ)(Ŝ1,x Ŝ2,x + Ŝ1,y Ŝ2,y ) .
(d) This is similar to Homework #6 Problem 1(3)

Method #1: divide Hilbert space by symmetry, then use perturbation theory,
Ĥ conserves total Ŝ1+2,z ≡ Ŝ1,z + Ŝ2,z , [Ĥ, Ŝz ] = 0. Therefore Ĥ is block-diagonalized by
dividing the 9-dimensional Hilbert space into different total-Sz subspaces.
The S1+2,z = ±2 subspaces are 1-dimensional with the complete orthonormal basis
(|S1+2 = 2, S1+2,z = ±2i).
The S1+2,z = ±1 subspaces are 2-dimensional with the complete orthonormal basis
(|S1+2 = 2, S1+2,z = ±1i, |S1+2 = 1, S1+2,z = ±1i).
The S1+2,z = 0 subspace is 3-dimensional with the complete orthonormal basis
(|S1+2 = 2, S1+2,z = 0i, |S1+2 = 1, S1+2,z = 0i, |S1+2 = 0, S1+2,z = 0i).
In each subspace, the ground state of Ĥ0 is non-degenerate, |S1+2 = 2, S1+2,z i, so one can
use non-degenerate perturbation theory.
To compute the matrix elements of the perturbation, it may be more convenient to use
√
χ̂z = 21 (iŜ1,+ Ŝ2,− − iŜ1,− Ŝ2,+ ), and Ŝi,+ |Si,z = 0i = 2|Si,z = 1i, . . . .
S1+2,z Ĥ in subspace 2nd order ground state energy
2 (−J) + (0) −J
   
−J 0 0 −iD (−iD)·(iD) D2
1  +  ≈ −J + −J−J
= −J −
iD 0
2J
0 J
   
2i
0 − √3 D 0
−J 0 0
√ √
(−2iD/ 3)·(2iD/ 3)
   
  √2i
q
0  0 J 0  +  3D 0 − 23 iD ≈ −J + = −J − 2D2
 
−J−J 3J
   q 
0 0 2J 0 2
iD 0
    3
−J 0 0 −iD (−iD)·(iD) D2
−1  +  ≈ −J + −J−J
= −J −
iD 0
2J
0 J
−2 (−J) + (0) −J

Method #2: compute the exact eigenvalues of Ĥ using the result of 1(c),
Ĥ = −J Ŝ1,z Ŝ2,z − J(Ŝ1,x Ŝ2,x + Ŝ1,y Ŝ2,y ) + Dχ̂z .
By applying unitary Û = e−iθ(Ŝ1,z −Ŝ2,z ) with appropriate θ, we can get Û Ĥ Û †
√ √ √
= −J Ŝ1,z Ŝ2,z − J 2 + D2 (Ŝ1,x Ŝ2,x + Ŝ1,y Ŝ2,y ) = − J 2 + D2 Ĵ 1 · Ĵ 2 +( J 2 + D2 −J)Ŝ1,z Ŝ2,z .
Here (cos θ, sin θ) = ( √J 2J+D2 , − √J 2D+D2 ). Û Ĥ Û † and Ĥ have the same eigenvalues.
Û Ĥ Û † still conserves total Ŝz . Use the basis in Method #1.
√ √
In Sz = ±2 subspace, Û Ĥ Û † is the 1×1 matrix, (− J 2 + D2 )+( J 2 + D2 −J) = (−J),
with ground state eigenvalues −J.  √ 
† − J 2 + D2 0
In Sz = ±1 subspace, Û Ĥ Û is the 2 × 2 diagonal matrix,  √ , with
0 J 2 + D2
√ 2
ground state eigenvalue − J 2 + D2 ≈ −J − D 2J
+ O(D4 ).  
√ −1 0 0
In Sz = 0 subspace, Û Ĥ Û † is a 3 × 3 matrix,
 
J2 + D2 · 
 0 1 0



0 0 2
 √ 
√ − 13 0 − 2
3 

+( J 2 + D2 − J)· 
 0
 √
−1 0 .


We only need to solve a 2 × 2 problem,
2
− 3 0 − 23
√ √ √
J 2
σ
2 0
− 3
( J2 + D2 −J)σ1 −( 43 J 2 + D2 + J6 )σ3 , for the first and last basis. The ground state
q √ √ q
2
eigenvalue is J2 − 29 ( J 2 + D2 − J)2 + ( 34 J 2 + D2 + J6 )2 ≈ J2 − 32 (J + 4D 9J
)2 + O(D4 )
J 4D2 2D2
≈ 2
− 32 (J + 9J
) + O(D4 ) ≈ −J − 3J
+ O(D4 ).
(e) Use interaction picture. Define interaction picture operator for the perturbation,
V̂I (t) ≡ eiĤ0 ·t/h̄ · (Dχ̂z ) · e−iĤ0 ·t/h̄ . Then the interaction picture time evolution operator is
ÛI (t) ≡ eiĤ0 ·t/h̄ e−iĤ·t/h̄ = 1 + −h̄i 0 dt1 V̂I (t1 ) + ( −h̄i )2 0 dt1 0 1 dt2 V̂I (t1 )V̂I (t2 ) + . . .
Rt Rt Rt
The original ground states are |S1+2 = 2, S1+2,z i for S1+2,z = −2, −1, 0, 1, 2. Note that
V̂I (t) still conserves total Ŝz . So only hS1+2 = 2, S1+2,z = 0|ÛI |ψ(t = 0)i is nonzero.
In theSz = 0 subspace with the three basis given in (d),   
0 2i
− √3 D · e −i 2J/h̄·t
0 √1
   6
V̂I (t) is  √2i3 D · ei2J/h̄·t
q
0 − 23 iD · e−iJ/h̄·t , |ψ(t = 0)i is  √1 . Then
   
 q   2
0 2
iD · e i J/h̄·t
0 √1
3 3
1 −i t 2i −i2J/h̄·t1 √1
R
hS1+2 = 2, S1+2,z = 0|ÛI |ψ(t = 0)i ≈ 6 + h̄ 0 dt1 [− 3 D · e
√ √ · 2]
√
+( −h̄i )2 0 dt1 0 dt2 [ −2 √ i De−i2J/h̄·t1 ][ √ 2i
Dei2J/h̄·t2 · √16 + −√32i De−iJ/h̄·t2 · √13 ] + . . .
R t R t1
3 3
√
≈ √16 − √iD −i2Jt/h̄ −i t √ i De−i2J/h̄·t1 ][ −
−2 √iD (ei2Jt1 /h̄ − 1) + −i 2D (e−iJt1 /h̄ − 1)]
R
6J
(e − 1) + h̄ 0
dt 1 [ 3 3 2J 3J
√ √
i i i i i i i + 2J + −i3J2D e−iJt1 /h̄ ]
i
1 D − 2Jt/h̄ −
Rt −2 − 2J/h̄·t − D 2Jt /h̄ 2D
≈ √6 − √6J (e − 1) + h̄ 0 dt1 [ √3 De 1
][ 3√2J e 1

√ 2 √
− √iD (e−i2Jt/h̄ − 1) + 3i√2D √2D (e−i2Jt/h̄ 2 √2D2 −i3Jt/h̄
2
≈ √1 t+ − 1) − (e − 1).
6 6J 6h̄J 2 3J 2 9 3J 2
Take the square of absolute value of the above result of hS1+2 = 2, S1+2,z = 0|ÛI |ψ(t = 0)i,
keep up to D2 order, because the imaginary part of hS1+2 = 2, S1+2,z = 0|ÛI |ψ(t = 0)i has
no O(1) term, we only need to keep O(D) term in the imaginary part of this amplitude,
P0 (|ψ(t)i)
√ 2 √ 2
≈ [ √16 − √D sin( 2Jt )+ √2D (cos( 2Jt ) − 1) − 2 √2D (cos( 3Jt ) − 1)]2 +[ √D (cos( 2Jt ) − 1)]2
6J h̄ 2 3J 2 h̄ 9 3J 2 h̄ 6J h̄
1 D D2 1 2 2Jt
≈ 6
− 3J
sin( 2Jt
h̄
)+ [ sin ( h̄ ) + 3 (cos( h̄ ) − 1) − 27 (cos( h̄ ) − 1) + 6 (cos( 2Jt
J2 6
1 2Jt 4 3Jt 1
h̄
) − 1)2 ]
1 D 4D2
≈ 6
− 3J
sin( 2Jt
h̄
)− 27J 2
(cos( 3Jt
h̄
) − 1) .
Some consistency check:
when t = 0 this should be |hS1+2 = 2, S1+2,z = 0|ψ(t = 0)i|2 = 61 ;
this should be an oscillating function, has no terms ∝ t or ∝ t2 (because there is no
“resonance’, namely time-independent perturbation connecting degenerate levels).
Problem 2 (35 points) Consider three spin-1/2 moments, labeled by i = 1, 2, 3. The

spin operators satisfy [Ŝi,a , Ŝj,b ] = δij c iabc Ŝi,c for i, j = 1, 2, 3 and a, b, c = x, y, z, and
P
1
(Ŝ i )2 = 2
· ( 12 + 1) = 43 . A complete orthonormal basis |ψi i (i = 1, . . . , 8) is the Sz -basis,
|S1z , S2z , S3z i, namely | ↑↑↑i, | ↓↑↑i, | ↑↓↑i, | ↑↑↓i, | ↑↓↓i, | ↓↑↓i, | ↓↓↑i, | ↓↓↓i.
(a) (10pts) Consider the D3 discrete symmetry (see page 1) generated by
C3 : Ŝ 1 7→ Ŝ 2 , Ŝ 2 7→ Ŝ 3 , Ŝ 3 7→ Ŝ 1 ; and σ : Ŝ 1 7→ Ŝ 1 , Ŝ 2 7→ Ŝ 3 , Ŝ 3 7→ Ŝ 2 .
Their actions on Sz -basis are Ĉ3 |s1 , s2 , s3 i = |s3 , s1 , s2 i, and σ̂|s1 , s2 , s3 i = |s1 , s3 , s2 i. Note
that D3 group actions do not change total Ŝz = 3i=1 Ŝi,z . Therefore the 8 × 8 matrices,
P
hψi |Ĉ3 |ψj i and hψi |σ̂|ψj i, are block-diagonal within each total-Sz subspace. Write down
the diagonal blocks of hψi |Ĉ3 |ψj i and hψi |σ̂|ψj i, namely representation matrices, RŜz =m (C3 )
and RŜz =m (σ), for each total-Sz subspace (for Sz = 23 , 12 , − 21 , − 32 , respectively).
(b) (10pts*) Some of the representations in (a) are reducible. Make orthonormal linear
combinations of the Sz -basis, so that they are eigenstates of Ŝz and form irreducible
representations of the D3 group. Copy the following table to your answer sheet and fill
the complete orthonormal irreducible representation basis states (in terms of Sz -basis) into
the last row. [NOTE: some entries will be empty; the ladder operators Ŝ± = 3i=1 Ŝi,±
P
are invariant under D3 group, so if you find a state |Ŝz = m, Γi i, then you can generate
|Ŝz = m ± 1, Γi i ∝ Ŝ± |Ŝz = m, Γi i; note that Γ3 is 2-dimensional irrep; you can use the

∗
P
“projection operator” g∈D3 [χΓi (g)] · ĝ|ψj i to generate these irrep basis, remember to
orthonormalize the results]
P3 3 1
i=1 Ŝi,z 2 2
− 12 − 32
D3 irrep. Γ1 Γ2 Γ3 Γ1 Γ2 Γ3 Γ1 Γ2 Γ3 Γ1 Γ2 Γ3
basis state(s)
(c) (10pts) Consider Ĥ = (Ŝ1,x Ŝ2,x + Ŝ1,y Ŝ2,y ) + (Ŝ2,x Ŝ3,x + Ŝ2,y Ŝ3,y ) + (Ŝ3,x Ŝ1,x + Ŝ3,y Ŝ1,y )
= 12 (Ŝ1,+ Ŝ2,− + Ŝ1,− Ŝ2,+ ) + 21 (Ŝ2,+ Ŝ3,− + Ŝ2,− Ŝ3,+ ) + 12 (Ŝ3,+ Ŝ1,− + Ŝ3,− Ŝ1,+ ). It is easy to
see that [Ĥ, 3i=1 Ŝi,z ] = 0, and Ĥ is invariant under D3 group. Solve the eigenvalues and
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eigenstates(in terms of Sz tensor product basis) for Ĥ. [Hint: results of (b) may help, also
consider the difference between Ĥ and Sˆ1 · Sˆ2 + Sˆ2 · Sˆ3 + Sˆ3 · Sˆ1 = 1 (Sˆ1 + Sˆ2 + Sˆ3 )2 +constant]
2
(d) (5pts) Explain the reason why the eigenvalues in (c) have degeneracy.
Solution
(a) Under the Sz basis given in the problem.
For Sz = ± 32 subspace, RŜz =± 3 (C3 ) = (1), RŜz =± 3 (σ) = (1).
2   2  
0 0 1 1 0 0
For §z = ± 21 subspace, RŜz =± 1 (C3 ) = 1 0 0, RŜz =± 1 (σ) = 0 0 1.
   
2   2  
0 1 0 0 1 0
(b) This is exactly the same as Homework #5 Problem 4(c).

2
Note that Ŝ ≡ ( 3i=1 Ŝ i )2 is invariant under D3 group. So we can also label these states
P
by the total spin quantum number.

The choice of basis for Γ3 representation is not unique.
P3 3 1
i=1 Ŝi,z 2 2
D3 irrep Γ1 Γ1 Γ3
P3 3 3 1
total spin i=1 Ŝ i 2 2 2

 √1 (2| ↓↑↑i − | ↑↓↑i − | ↑↑↓i)
basis state(s) | ↑↑↑i √1 (| ↓↑↑i + | ↑↓↑i + | ↑↑↓i) 6
3 1
 √ (| ↑↓↑i − | ↑↑↓i)
2

P3
i=1 Ŝi,z − 12 − 32
D3 irrep Γ1 Γ3 Γ1
P3 3 1 3
total spin i=1 Ŝ i 2 2 2

 √1 (2| ↑↓↓i − | ↓↑↓i − | ↓↓↑i)
basis state(s) √1 (| ↑↓↓i + | ↓↑↓i + | ↓↓↑i) 6
| ↓↓↓i
3 1
 √ (| ↓↑↓i − | ↓↓↑i)
2
(c) Method #1:

h i
1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Ĥ = 2 (Ŝ1,x + Ŝ2,x + Ŝ3,x ) + (Ŝ1,y + Ŝ2,y + Ŝ3,y ) − Ŝ1,x − Ŝ1,y − Ŝ2,x − Ŝ2,y − Ŝ3,x − Ŝ3,y
2
= 12 Ŝ 1+2+3 − 12 Ŝ1+2+3,z
2
− 34 .
2 1
Here Ŝ 1+2+3 = Ŝ 1 + Ŝ 2 + Ŝ 3 is the total spin. And we have used the fact that Ŝi,a = 4
for
spin-1/2 moments. Therefore the eigenstates of total spin and total Sz , |S1+2+3 , S1+2+3,z i
are eigenstates of Ĥ. These states have been built in Homework #5 Problem 4(b), and are
also listed above in (a).
1
Eigenvalue= 2
· 23 ( 32 + 1) − 12 · (± 23 )2 − 3
4
= 0, for |S1+2+3 = 32 , S1+2+3,z = ± 32 i states.
1
Eigenvalue= 2
· 23 ( 32 + 1) − 12 · (± 21 )2 − 3
4
= 1, for |S1+2+3 = 32 , S1+2+3,z = ± 12 i states.
1
Eigenvalue= 2
· 21 ( 12 + 1) − 12 · (± 21 )2 − 3
4
= − 12 , for |S1+2+3 = 21 , S1+2+3,z = ± 12 i states.
Method #2:
Ĥ = 12 (Ŝ1,+ Ŝ2,− + Ŝ1,− Ŝ2,+ ) + 21 (Ŝ2,+ Ŝ3,− + Ŝ2,− Ŝ3,+ ) + 12 (Ŝ3,+ Ŝ1,− + Ŝ3,− Ŝ1,+ ). So it conserves
total Sz . Divide the 8-dimensional Hilbert space into subspaces of fixed total Sz .
3
In the Ŝ1+2+3,z = 2
space, with basis | ↑↑↑i, Ĥ is (0).
In the Ŝ1+2+3,z = − 23 space, with basis | ↓↓↓i, Ĥ is (0).  
0 1 1
 
In the Ŝ1+2+3,z = 12 space, with basis (| ↓↑↑i, | ↑↓↑i, | ↑↑↓i), Ĥ is 12 1 0 1.
 
 
1 1 0
 
0 1 1
 
1 1
In the Ŝ1+2+3,z = − 2 space, with basis (| ↑↓↓i, | ↓↑↓i, | ↓↓↑i), Ĥ is 2 1 0 1.

 
1 1 0
 
1
 
The 3 × 3 matrix above has eigenvalue 1 with eigenvector √13 1, and
 
 
1

   
 1   1 
eigenvalue − 12 with eigenvector √13  e2πi/3  and √1 e−2π i/3 .
   
  3 
e−2πi/3 e2πi/3
(d) Answer #1: Ĥ has time-reversal symmetry (each term is a product of even-number
of spin operators), and the system consists of odd-number of spin-1/2 (so T̂ 2 = −1), so
there must be Kramers degeneracy, all energy levels are at least 2-fold degenerate.
Answer #2: consider Û = exp(−iπ Ŝ1+2+3,y ), then Û Ŝi,z Û † = −Ŝi,z , Û Ŝi,x Û † = −Ŝi,x ,
Û Ŝi,y Û † = +Ŝi,y . So Û Ĥ Û † = Ĥ, but Û Ŝz Û † = −Ŝz , namely Û does not change Ĥ
eigenvalue, but changes sign of Ŝz eigenvalue. Ŝz eigenvalues are nonzero, therefore Ĥ
eigenvalue must be at least 2-fold degenerate.
Problem 3. (5 points) Γ1,2,3,4 are 4 × 4 traceless hermitian matricies, (Γi )† = Γi ,

Tr(Γi ) = 0. And (Γi )2 = 14×4 are identity matrix. And [Γ1 , Γ3 ] = [Γ1 , Γ4 ] = [Γ2 , Γ3 ]
= [Γ2 , Γ4 ] = {Γ1 , Γ2 } = {Γ3 , Γ4 } = 0. Solve the eigenvalues of ((a1 Γ1 +a2 Γ2 )+(a3 Γ3 +a4 Γ4 )),
Γ1 Γ2 Γ3
where a1,2,3,4 are real numbers. [Hint: you may define Ŝ1,z = 2
, Ŝ1,x = 2
, Ŝ2,z = 2
,
Γ4
Ŝ2,x = 2
, and make analogy to a problem with two spin-1/2 ]
Solution
(a1 Γ1 + a2 Γ2 )2 = (a21 + a22 )14×4 , (a3 Γ3 + a4 Γ4 )2 = (a23 + a24 )14×4 .
p
Therefore the 4 × 4 traceless hermitian matrix a1 Γ1 + a2 Γ2 has eigenvalues ± a21 + a22
p
(each is 2-fold degenerate), and a3 Γ3 + a4 Γ4 has eigenvalues ± a23 + a24 (each is 2-fold
degenerate).
p p
The eigenvalues of (a1 Γ1 + a2 Γ2 ) + (a3 Γ3 + a4 Γ4 ) are + a21 + a22 + a23 + a24 ,
p p p p p p
+ a21 + a22 − a23 + a24 , − a21 + a22 + a23 + a24 , − a21 + a22 − a23 + a24 .
(Not required) To be rigorous, we need to prove all the above four combinations appear.
Define U1 = iΓ1 Γ2 , U2 = iΓ3 Γ4 . It is easy to check that (U1 )† = U1 , (U2 )† = U2 , and
U12 = U22 = 14×4 , and U1 U2 = U2 U1 . So U1,2 are both unitary matrices, and commute.
U1 Γ1 U1† = −Γ1 , U1 Γ2 U1† = −Γ2 , U1 Γ3 U1† = Γ3 , U1 Γ4 U1† = Γ4 .
U2 Γ1 U2† = Γ1 , U2 Γ2 U2† = Γ2 , U2 Γ3 U2† = −Γ3 , U2 Γ4 U2† = −Γ4 .
Since [a1 Γ1 + a2 Γ2 , a3 Γ3 + a4 Γ4 ] = 0, we can find their simultaneous eigenvector ~v , with

(a1 Γ1 + a2 Γ2 ) · ~v = λ1~v , (a3 Γ3 + a4 Γ4 ) · ~v = λ2~v . Then
U1~v has eigenvalue −λ1 for a1 Γ1 + a2 Γ2 , eigenvalue λ2 for a3 Γ3 + a4 Γ4 ;
U2~v has eigenvalue λ1 for a1 Γ1 + a2 Γ2 , eigenvalue −λ2 for a3 Γ3 + a4 Γ4 ;
U1 U2~v has eigenvalue −λ1 for a1 Γ1 + a2 Γ2 , eigenvalue −λ2 for a3 Γ3 + a4 Γ4 .
Γ1 Γ2
The following analogy to spin-1/2 is not really necessary. Define Ŝ1,z = 2
, Ŝ1,x = 2
,
Ŝ2,z = Γ3
2
, and Ŝ1,y = i[Ŝ1,x , Ŝ1,z ] = 2i Γ2 Γ1 , Ŝ2,y = i[Ŝ2,x , Ŝ2,z ] = 2i Γ4 Γ3 . It is easy
Ŝ2,x = Γ4
2
,
P
to check that they satisfy the commutation relations of two spins, [Ŝi,a , Ŝj,b ] = δi,j c abc Ŝi,c .
And because Ŝi,z can only have eigenvalues ± 21 , they are two spin-1/2 moments. Then
a1 Γ1 + a2 Γ2 + a3 Γ3 + a4 Γ4 is (2a2 , 0, 2a1 ) · Ŝ 1 + (2a4 , 0, 2a3 ) · Ŝ 2 , which looks like two
decoupled spin-1/2 under different Zeeman field.
Problem 4. (30 points) Consider three fermion modes fˆ1,2,3 . They satisfy {fˆi , fˆj† } = δij .
Let Ĥ0 = E0 · (n̂1 − n̂3 ). Here n̂i = fˆ† fˆi , E0 > 0 is a real number. The occupation basis
i
|n1 , n2 , n3 i = (fˆ1† )n1 (fˆ2† )n2 (fˆ3† )n3 |vaci are orthonormal eigenstates of Ĥ0 with eigenvalue
E0 ·(n1 −n3 ), where n1,2,3 = 0 or 1 are eigenvalues of n̂1,2,3 , |vaci is the normalized “vacuum”.
(a) (8pts) Add a time-independent perturbation, V̂ = −t · ((fˆ1† fˆ2 + fˆ2† fˆ3 ) + (fˆ2† fˆ1 + fˆ3† fˆ2 )).
Here t is a real “small parameter”. Solve the approximate eigenvalues of Ĥ = Ĥ0 + V̂ up
to 2nd order of t in the entire Fock space. [Hint: use perturbation theory, or solve exact
eigenvalues of Ĥ and expand them to 3rd order of t, note Ĥ preserves total particle number,
some facts about angular momentum might help]
(b) (8pts) Consider perturbation V̂ 0 = −t · ((fˆ1† fˆ2 + fˆ2† fˆ3 ) + (fˆ2† fˆ1 + fˆ3† fˆ2 ) + (fˆ1 fˆ3 + fˆ3† fˆ1† )).
Solve the approximate eigenvalues of Ĥ 0 = Ĥ0 + V̂ 0 up to 2nd order of t in the entire Fock
space. [Hint: Ĥ 0 does NOT preserve total particle number, but preserves particle number
parity; high-order degenerate perturbation theory may be avoided by changing to the
eigenbasis of 1st order secular equation]
(c) (8pts*) Solve the approximate eigenvalues of Ĥ 0 = Ĥ0 + V̂ 0 in (b) up to 3rd order of
t in the entire Fock space. [Hint: you can get these directly if (b) is done carefully]

(d) (4pts**) Solve the eigenvalues of Ĥ 0 in (c) exactly. [Hint: some previous results may
be useful]
(e) (2pts***) You may have noticed that the (approximate) eigenvalues in (b)(c)(d) are
2-fold degenerate. Prove this by first proving the following statement in [. . . ], and then find
the unitary Û and hermitian P̂ . [If operators Ĥ 0 and P̂ are both hermitian, P̂ 2 = 1, and
there is a unitary operator Û so that Û Ĥ 0 Û † = Ĥ 0 and Û P̂ Û † = −P̂ . Then the eigenvalues
of Ĥ 0 must be at least 2-fold degenerate.]
Solution
For reasons to be explained later, choose the basis |ψi i (i = 1, . . . , 8) for the Fock space as
(|vaci, fˆ† fˆ† |vaci = −fˆ fˆ† fˆ† fˆ† |vaci, fˆ† fˆ† |vaci = fˆ fˆ† fˆ† fˆ† |vaci, fˆ† fˆ† |vaci = fˆ fˆ† fˆ† fˆ† |vaci,
1 3 2 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 2 3 1 1 2 3
−fˆ1† fˆ2† fˆ3† |vaci, fˆ2† |vaci, fˆ1† |vaci, fˆ3† |vaci).
(a) Method #1: directly use series expansion result,
Ĥ under

the above basis is block-diagonal
 
within subspaces

of fixed particle number,
0 0
   

 0  
  0 −t −t 

   

 E0  
  −t 0 0 

   
 −E0   −t 0 0 
Ĥ = 
 +
 
.


 0  
  0 

   

 0  
  0 −t −t

   

 E0  
  −t 0 0 

−E0 −t 0 0
Note that the top-left 4 × 4 diagonal block is the same as the bottom-right 4 × 4 diagonal
block. So every eigenvalue is 2-fold degenerate. Directly use the non-degenerate second
order perturbation result, E1,5 = 0 (exact);
t2 t2
E2,6 ≈ 0 + 0−E0
+ 0−(−E0 )
= 0 (this is actually exact);
t2 t2
E3,7 ≈ E0 + E0 −0
= E0 + E0
;
t2 t2
E4,8 ≈ −E0 + −E0 −0
= −E0 − E0
.
Method #2: diagonalize  this
“bilinear
 operator”
 exactly,
  
ˆ
 01 0 0 1 0 f1 
† † †
Ĥ = (fˆ1 , fˆ2 , fˆ3 ) · E0 · 0 0
0  + (−t) 1 0 1 · fˆ2 .
 
    
 
    
−1 0 0 0 1 0 fˆ3
√
The 3 × 3 matrix is the spin-1 operator, E0 Ŝz + (− 2t)Ŝx , under Sz basis. Similar to
Homework #2 Problem 4(d) and Midterm Problem 3(e), we can use a unitary transformation

q √
to “rotate” this bilinear operator’s coefficient matrix into E02 + (− 2t)2 Ŝz .
p
So Ĥ is related to E02 + 2t2 (n̂1 − n̂3 ) by a unitary transformation. The exact eigenvalues
p 2 p 2
are 0 (4-fold), E02 + 2t2 ≈ E0 + Et 0 (2-fold), − E02 + 2t2 ≈ −E0 − Et 0 (2-fold).
Method #3: use unitary transformations,

Define V̂+1 ≡ −t·(fˆ1† fˆ2 +fˆ2† fˆ3 ), V̂−1 ≡ −t·(fˆ2† fˆ1 +fˆ3† fˆ2 ). Then V̂ = V̂+1 +V̂−1 , (V̂±1 )† = V̂∓1 ,
[Ĥ0 , V̂±1 ] = ±E0 · V̂±1 . The perturbation contains only “off-diagonal” terms.
Define unitary operator eiŜ with iŜ = V̂+1 −V̂−1
E0
. Then [iŜ, Ĥ0 ] = −V̂ .
For later problem (c), keep up to O(t3 ) terms,
eiŜ (Ĥ0 + V̂ )e−iŜ = Ĥ0 + (1 − 21 )[iŜ, V̂ ] + ( 21 − 16 )[iŜ, [iŜ, V̂ ] + O(t4 ).
Use [fˆ† fˆ , fˆ† ] = δjk fˆ† , and [fˆ† fˆ , fˆ ] = −δik fˆ† .
i j k i i j k j
[iŜ, V̂ ] = 2
[V̂ , V̂−1 ]
E0 +1
= 2t2 ˆ† ˆ
E0
(f1 f1 − fˆ2† fˆ2 + fˆ2† fˆ2 − fˆ3† fˆ3 ) = 2t2
E0
(n̂1 − n̂3 ) = 2t2
Ĥ .
E02 0
Then [iŜ, [iŜ, V̂ ]] = [iŜ, 2t

2 2
Ĥ ] = − 2t
E2 0 E2
V̂ .
0 0
2 t2
The “diagonal terms” up to O(t3 ) is Ĥ0 + (1 − 12 ) 2t Ĥ = (E0 +
E2 0 E0
)(n̂1 − n̂3 ).
0
So transformed occupation basis, eiŜ |n1 , n2 , n3 i, are approximate eigenstates with

t2
eigenvalues (E0 + E0
)(n1 − n3 ), n1,2,3 = 0 or 1.
(b)(c) Method #1: use series expansion method,

Underthe above Fock space basis,
  
0 0 t
   
 0   t 0 −t −t 
   
   
 E0   −t 0 0 
   
   
−E0   −t 0 0
Ĥ 0 =
 
+ .
   


 0  
  0 t 

   

 0  
  t 0 −t −t

   

 E0  
  −t 0 0 
−E0 −t 0 0
It is still block-diagonal, because Ĥ 0 preserves particle number parity, and the first four
basis have even-number of particles, last four

basis have
 
odd-number of particles.
0 0 t 0 0
   
 0   t 0 −t −t
The two identical 4×4 diagonal blocks, 
 +
 
 0 −t 0 0 
,

are solved as follows.

 E0   
0 −E0 0 −t 0 0
Method #1.1: directly use degenerate perturbation theory,

 
1
 
Q̂ = 14×4 − P̂ ,
 1 
For the first two degenerate levels of Ĥ0 , define P̂ =
 ,


 0 
0
 
0
 
 0 
Ĝ =

 1
,


the secular equation up to 3rd order is P̂ V̂ P̂ +P̂ V̂ ĜV̂ P̂ +P̂ V̂ ĜV̂ ĜV̂ P̂
 E−E0 
1
 E+E0   
0, t 0, t
   
t2 t2 2Et2 Et2 Et2
=  t, +  =  t, . This is σ − σ + tσ1 .
   
 E−E0 E+E0   E 2 −E02  E 2 −E02 0 E 2 −E02 3
q
Et2 2
The eigenvalues of secular equation are E 2 −E02
± t2 + ( E 2Et
−E 2
)2 .
0
Choose “+” sign, the first order approximation is then E ≈ t, plug this back into the
t3
formula and expand to t3 order, E1,5 ≈ t − E02
.
Choose “−” sign, the first order approximation is then E ≈ −t, plug this back into the
t3
formula and expand to t3 order, E2,6 ≈ −t + E02
.
The steps for the 3rd order perturbation results for non-degenerate levels are omitted
t2 t2
here, they are still E3,7 ≈ E0 + E0
; E4,8 ≈ −E0 − E0
.
Method #1.2: first change to eigenbasis


of 1st order secular equation,
0 t
 
t 0
√1 (|ψ1 i

the 1st order secular equation is 


.


Define new basis |ψ̃1 i = 2
+ |ψ2 i),
 
 
t 0 − √t − √t
 2 2
 0 −t √t √t
 
√1 (|ψ1 i 0
|ψ̃2 i = − |ψ2 i), then Ĥ0 does not change, but V̂ becomes .

 2 2
2  t
− √ √t 0 0 

 2 2 
− √t √t 0 0
   2 2
t 0 0 − √t2 − √t2
   
√t √t
ˆ =  −t
    0 0
ˆ ˆ ˆ
Redefine H̃ , and Ṽ 0 = 
. Ĥ 0 = H̃0 + Ṽ 0 . We 2 2
  
0 
 E0 0 0   − √t √t
   2 2
−E00 0 − √t2 √t2
can now use non-degenerate
 
perturbation theory. Because sign of Ṽˆ 0 can be changed by
1
 
unitary operator
 1  ˆ , so Ṽˆ 0 will only generate even-order
, while maintaining H̃
 
 0

 −1 

−1
perturbations. Up to 3rd order the approximate eigenvalues are

t2 /2 t2 /2 2 /2 3
E1,5 ≈ t + t−E0
+ t−(−E 0)
= t + 2t·t
t2 −E02
≈ t − Et 2 ,
0
t2 /2 t2 /2 −2t·t2 /2 t3
E2,6 ≈ −t + −t−E 0
+ −t−(−E 0 )
= −t + t2 −E 2 ≈ −t + E 2,
0 0
2 2 2
0 ·t /2 2
E3,7 ≈ E0 + Et 0/2
−t
+ E0t−(−t) /2
= E0 + 2E E02 −t2
≈ E0 + Et 0 ,
t2 /2 2 /2 2
E4,8 ≈ −E0 + −E 0 −t
+ −Et0 −(−t) = −E0 + −2E 0 ·t /2
E02 −t2
≈ −E0 − t2
E0
.
Method #2: use unitary transformations,

Define V̂0 = −t · (fˆ1 fˆ3 + fˆ3† fˆ1† ), then V̂ 0 = V̂ + V̂0 = V̂+1 + V̂−1 + V̂0 , [Ĥ0 , V̂0 ] = 0.
The unitary operator for removing “off-diagonal terms” is the same as that in (a),
eiŜ with iŜ = V̂+1 −V̂−1
E0
, [iŜ, Ĥ0 ] = −V̂+1 − V̂−1 .
eiŜ (Ĥ0 + V̂ 0 )e−iŜ = eiŜ (Ĥ0 + V̂ )e−iŜ + eiŜ V̂0 e−iŜ , the first term has been computed in (a)
up to O(t3 ), eiŜ (Ĥ0 + V̂ )e−iŜ = (E0 + t2
E0
)(n̂1 − n̂3 ) + O(t4 ).
eiŜ V̂0 e−iŜ up to O(t3 ) is V̂0 + [iŜ, V̂0 ] + 21 [iŜ, [iŜ, V̂0 ]] + O(t4 ).
[iŜ, V̂0 ] = t [(fˆ† fˆ + fˆ† fˆ )−(fˆ† fˆ1 + fˆ† fˆ ), (fˆ fˆ + fˆ† fˆ† )] = t (−fˆ fˆ + fˆ† fˆ† − fˆ† fˆ† + fˆ fˆ ).
2 2
E0 1 2 2 3 2 3 2 1 3 3 1 E0 2 3 2 1 3 2 1 2
[iŜ, [iŜ, V̂0 ]] =

3
− Et 2 (−fˆ3† fˆ1† − fˆ1 fˆ3 − fˆ1 fˆ3 − fˆ3† fˆ1† ).
0
So “diagonal terms” (commutes with Ĥ0 ) up to O(t3 ) is

2 3
(E0 + Et 0 )(n̂1 − n̂3 ) − (t − Et 2 )(fˆ1 fˆ3 + fˆ3† fˆ1† ).
0  
3
0 (t − Et 3 )
 0 
3
(t − Et 3 )
 
0 
In the first four basis, this is  0 . Further diag-
 t2 
 E0 + E0

 
2
−E0 − Et 0
onalize the top-left 2 × 2 block (secular equation), we get the approximate eigenvalues,
t3 t3 t2 t2
E1,5 ≈ t − E02
, E2,6 ≈ −t + E02
, E3,7 ≈ E0 + E0
, E4,8 ≈ −E0 − E0
.
(d) Consider the 4 × 4 matrix in Method #1.2 of (b)(c). It is

E0 +t √t σ2 t−E0 √t σ1
2
σ0 ⊗ σ3 + 2
⊗ σ2 + 2
σ3 ⊗ σ3 − 2
⊗ σ3 .
These four 4 × 4 matrices satisfy the conditions in Problem 3.
So the exact eigenvalues are +λ1 + λ2 , +λ1 − λ2 , −λ1 + λ2 , −λ1 − λ2 , with
q q 2 2 3
λ1 = ( E02+t )2 + ( √t2 )2 = E20 1 + E2t0 + 3t
E02
≈ E20 (1 + Et0 + Et 2 − Et 3 ) + O(t4 ),
0 0
q q 2 2 3
t−E0 2 E E
λ2 = ( 2 ) + (− √2 ) = 2 1 − E0 + E 2 ≈ 2 (1 − E0 + E 2 + Et 3 ) + O(t4 ).
t 2 0 2t 3t 0 t t
0 0 0
(e)
Under the condition that [Ĥ 0 , P̂ ] = 0 (forgot to state in the problem).

Consider an eigenstate |Ĥ 0 = E, P̂ = λi of both Ĥ 0 and P̂ . Because P̂ 2 = 1, λ = ±1 6= 0.
Then Ĥ 0 Û |Ĥ 0 = E, P̂ = λi = Û Ĥ 0 Û † Û |Ĥ 0 = E, P̂ = λi = Û Ĥ 0 |Ĥ 0 = E, P̂ = λi
= E · Û |Ĥ 0 = E, P̂ = λi, and P̂ Û |Ĥ 0 = E, P̂ = λi = −Û P̂ Û † Û |Ĥ 0 = E, P̂ = λi
= −Û P̂ |Ĥ 0 = E, P̂ = λi = −λ · Û |Ĥ 0 = E, P̂ = λi.
Therefore Û |Ĥ 0 = E, P̂ = λi = |Ĥ 0 = E, P̂ = −λi and is different from |Ĥ 0 = E, P̂ = λi,
because λ 6= 0. So the eigenvalue E eigenstate of Ĥ 0 must be at least 2-fold degenerate.
Under

the above basis

for Fock space, we can choose

1 1
   

 1 


 1 

   

 1 

 1 

   
 1  1 
Û = 
 ,

P̂ = 
 .

1




 −1 

   
 1




 −1 

   

 1 


 −1 

1 −1
P̂ is the fermion
 number parity operator,
P  +1, even particle number states;
P̂ = (−1) i n̂i =
 −1, odd particle number states.
Û corresponds to the following (particle-hole transformation)×(a unitary transform of
creation/annihilation operator basis), Û fˆ† Û † = fˆ , Û fˆ† Û † = −fˆ , Û fˆ† Û † = fˆ . It should
1 3 2 2 3 1
be easy to see that Û Ĥ 0 Û † = Ĥ 0 , and Û P̂ Û † = −P̂ .

The last four basis of Fock space are related to the first four basis by this unitary trans-
form, |ψi+4 i = Û |ψi i for i = 1, 2, 3, 4, if we define Û |vaci = −fˆ† fˆ† fˆ† |vaci.
1 2 3
The explicit form

 of Û in termsof creation/annihilation
 operators is (not required),
fˆ1
Û = (−1)n̂3 exp −i π2 (fˆ1† , fˆ3† ) · σ22 ·   · (−1)n̂2 · (fˆ3 + fˆ3† )(fˆ2 + fˆ2† )(fˆ1 + fˆ1† ).
fˆ 3

Final Solutions 2018

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Final Solutions 2018

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Advanced Quantum Mechanics: Fall 2018

Final Exam: Brief Solutions

• Some Taylor expansions: exp(x) = ∞ xn x2 x3 4

• Spin (angular momentum) operators satisfy [Ŝa , Ŝb ] = i

• Spin-1/2: Ŝa = σa /2 under 

exp(−iθn · σ) = cos(θ)1 − i sin(θ)(n · σ). |Ŝz = ± 21 i are denoted by | ↑i and | ↓i.

• The D3 group: {(C3 )(n mod 3)

Adv. Quan. Mech., Fall 2018 1/15

Adv. Quan. Mech., Fall 2018 2/15

• |S1+2 = 2, S1+2,z = 2i = |1i|1i.

• Suppose |S1+2 = 1, S1+2,z = 1i = c1 |1i|0i + c2 |0i|1i, then by 0 = Ŝ1+2,+ |S1+2 =

• Suppose |S1+2 = 0, S1+2,z = 0i = c1 |1i| − 1i + c2 |0i|0i + c3 | − 1i|0i, then by 0 =

Ĥ0 eigenvalue S1+2 S1+2,z state

(b) This is part of Homework #6 Problem 1(2).

Adv. Quan. Mech., Fall 2018 3/15

(d) This is similar to Homework #6 Problem 1(3)

Adv. Quan. Mech., Fall 2018 4/15

Adv. Quan. Mech., Fall 2018 5/15

Problem 2 (35 points) Consider three spin-1/2 moments, labeled by i = 1, 2, 3. The

Adv. Quan. Mech., Fall 2018 6/15

(b) This is exactly the same as Homework #5 Problem 4(c).

by the total spin quantum number.

Adv. Quan. Mech., Fall 2018 7/15

(c) Method #1:

Adv. Quan. Mech., Fall 2018 8/15

Problem 3. (5 points) Γ1,2,3,4 are 4 × 4 traceless hermitian matricies, (Γi )† = Γi ,

Adv. Quan. Mech., Fall 2018 9/15

Adv. Quan. Mech., Fall 2018 10/15

Adv. Quan. Mech., Fall 2018 11/15

Method #3: use unitary transformations,

Then [iŜ, [iŜ, V̂ ]] = [iŜ, 2t

So transformed occupation basis, eiŜ |n1 , n2 , n3 i, are approximate eigenstates with

(b)(c) Method #1: use series expansion method,

Adv. Quan. Mech., Fall 2018 12/15

Method #1.2: first change to eigenbasis

Adv. Quan. Mech., Fall 2018 13/15

Method #2: use unitary transformations,

[iŜ, [iŜ, V̂0 ]] =

So “diagonal terms” (commutes with Ĥ0 ) up to O(t3 ) is

(d) Consider the 4 × 4 matrix in Method #1.2 of (b)(c). It is

Adv. Quan. Mech., Fall 2018 14/15

be easy to see that Û Ĥ 0 Û † = Ĥ 0 , and Û P̂ Û † = −P̂ .

The explicit form

Adv. Quan. Mech., Fall 2018 15/15

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