Advanced Quantum Mechanics: Fall 2017

Solution to Midterm Exam

NOTE: Problems start on page 2. Answer the questions in italic fonts.
Possibly useful facts:
 
   
0 1 0 −i 1 0
• Pauli matrices: σ0 = 12×2 , σ1 =   , σ2 =   , σ3 =  .
1 0 i 0 0 −1
σ1 σ2 = iσ3 = −σ2 σ1 , σ2 σ3 = iσ1 = −σ3 σ2 , σ3 σ1 = iσ2 = −σ1 σ3 , σ12 = σ22 = σ33 = σ0 .

So σ1,2,3 mutually anti-commute, {σ1 , σ2 } = {σ2 , σ3 } = {σ3 , σ1 } = 0,

and [σ1 , σ2 ] = 2iσ3 , [σ2 , σ3 ] = 2iσ1 , [σ3 , σ1 ] = 2iσ2 .

• Some Taylor expansions:

xn n x2n+1 n x2n
exp(x) = +∞
P P+∞ P+∞
n=0 n! , sin(x) = n=0 (−1) (2n+1)!
, cos(x) = n=0 (−1) (2n)! .

P+∞ 1
• Baker-Hausdorff formula: exp(Â) · B̂ · exp(−Â) = B̂ + n=1 n! [Â, [Â, . . . [Â, B̂] . . . ]].
| {z }
n-fold commutator

• If [Â, B̂] is a c-number, then exp(Â + B̂) = exp(Â) exp(B̂) exp(− 12 [Â, B̂]).

p̂2 mω 2 2 2
h̄ ∂ 2 mω 2 2
• 1D harmonic oscillator: Ĥ0 = 2m
+ 2
x̂ = − 2m ∂x2
+ 2
x.
Here x̂ is position operator, p̂ is momentum operator, [x̂, p̂] = ih̄, and in position
representation p̂ = −ih̄ ∂∂x . Define b̂ = (x̂ + i mω
p mω 1
p mω h̄ ∂
2h̄
p̂) = 2h̄
(x + mω ∂x
). Then
[b̂, b̂† ] = 1 and Ĥ0 = h̄ω (b̂† b̂ + 21 ). It has a unique ground state |0i with b̂|0i = 0, and
excited states |ni ≡ √1 (b̂† )n |0i with energy En = (n + 21 )h̄ω. These states |ni can be
n!
viewed as occupation basis of a single boson mode.

• Creation & annihilation operators:

ψ̂ † “creates” a particle in single particle state |ψi;
ψ̂ “destroys” a particle in single particle state |ψi; ψ̂ † is hermitian conjugate of ψ̂.

– Given complete orthonormal basis |ei i of single particle states, one set of com-
plete orthonormal basis for the Fock space is the occupation basis |n1 , n2 , . . . i =
† †
√1 (ê )n1 √1 (ê )n2
n1 ! 1 n2 ! 2
· · · |vaci. Here |vaci is the particle “vacuum”. ê†i are creation
operators for state |ei i. For bosons, [êi , ê†j ] = δi,j ; for fermions, {êi , ê†j } = δi,j .

– [ê†i êj , ê†k ] = δj,k ê†i , for both bosons and fermions.

Advanced Quantum Mechanics, Fall 2017 1/11

 Problem 1. (10 points)
A 2-dimensional Hilbert space basis |1i and 2i, with overlaps h1|1i = h2|2i = 1 and
h1|2i = − 32 . A linear operator  is defined by Â|1i = 3|1i + |2i and Â|2i = |1i + 3|2i.

(a) (5pts)Is  a hermitian operator? Is  a unitary operator?

(b) (5pts)Solve the eigenvalues and normalized eigenstates of Â.

Solution: This is similar to Homework #1 Problem 1(c).

(a) Â is hermitian, but not unitary.
Method #1: use definitions,  
P 3 1
Â|ii = j |ji Aji , where Aji is the 2 × 2 matrix  .
1 3
 
1 −2/3
Define Gij = hi|ji, which is the 2 × 2 matrix  .
−2/3 1
P P
Consider two generic states, |ai = i ai |ii and |bi = i bi |ii, and consider the following
two inner products,
(Â|ai, |bi) = ( j,i |ji Aji ai , k |ki bk ) = i,j,k a∗i A∗ji Gjk bk = ~a† · (A† · G) · ~b.
P P P

(|ai, Â|bi) = ( i |iiai , j,k |ji Ajk bk ) = i,j,k a∗i Gij Ajk bk = ~a† · (G · A) · ~b.
P P P

Here ~a and ~b are column vectors with ai and bi as elements, respectively.

It is easy to check that A = 3σ0 + σ1 and G = σ0 − 32 σ1 satisfy A† · G = G · A = 73 σ0 − σ1 ,
therefore for any states |ai and |bi, (Â|ai, |bi) = (|ai, Â|bi).
By the definition of hermitian conjugate of operators, this shows  = † .

Equivalent condition #1: If ha|Â|ai is real for any state |ai, then  is real. Here
ha|Â|ai = ~a† · (G · A) · ~a = ~a† · ( 37 σ0 − σ1 ) · ~a = 73 (|a1 |2 + |a2 |2 ) − (a∗1 a2 + a∗2 a1 ), is always real.

Equivalent condition #2: The above condition is equivalent to hi|Â|ji = G · A is a

hermitian matrix. Here G · A = 37 σ0 − σ1 is a hermitian matrix.

To check whether  is unitary, we need to check whether (Â|ii, Â|ji) equals to hi|ji for
any pair of basis states |ii and |ji.

Advanced Quantum Mechanics, Fall 2017 2/11

 But (Â|1i, Â|1i = (3|1i + |2i, 3|1i + |2i) = 9 · 1 + 3 · (− 32 ) + 3 · (− 32 ) + 1 · 1 = 6
6= h1|1i. Therefore  is not unitary.

Equivalent condition #1: If the inner product (Â|ai, Â|ai) = (|ai, |ai) for any
state |ai, then  is unitary. This condition is ~a† · (A† · G · A) · ~a = ~a† · G · ~a for any
complex vector ~a, or equivalently, A† · G · A = G. Here A† · G · A = 6σ0 − 23 σ1 6= G = σ0 − 23 σ1 .

Equivalent condition #2: If †  = 1, then  is unitary.

Knowing that  is hermitian, this condition is Â2 = 1̂, since Â2 |ii =
P P
k j |kiAkj Aji ,
this condition is equivalent to A · A = 1. But here A · A = 10σ0 + 6σ1 6= 1 = σ0 .

Method #2: change to complete orthonormal basis.

The hi|ji values and definition of  are invariant if we exchange the two basis |1i and |2i.
This suggests to use the symmetric and anti-symmetric combinations, |1i + |2i and |1i −
|2i, as new basis. They are indeed orthogonal to each other.
Normalize them: (|1i + |2i, |1i + |2i) = 1 + (− 32 ) + (− 32 ) + 1 = 23 ,
(|1i − |2i, |1i − |2i) = 1 − (− 23 ) − (− 23 ) + 1 = 10
3
.
q q
3 3
We get the complete orthonormal basis, |+i ≡ 2
(|1i + |2i) and |−i ≡ 10
(|1i − |2i).
The action of  on this basis is Â|+i = 4|+i and Â|−i =  2|−i.
 Namely the matrix
4 0
representation of  under this complete orthonormal basis is  . This is obviously a
0 2
hermitian matrix, but is not a unitary matrix. Therefore  is hermitian, but not unitary.

(b) The method #2 of (a) already produces the answer for (b).
q
 has eigenvalue 4 with normalized eigenstate 32 (|1i + |2i);
q
3
and eigenvalue 2 with normalized eigenstate 10 (|1i − |2i).
The eigenvalues and un-normalized eigenvectors
  can also be obtained from the eigenval-
3 1
ues and eigenvectors of the Aij matrix,  , defined in method #1 of (a).
1 3

Problem 2. (50 points)

Consider the 1D harmonic oscillator Ĥ0 defined on page 1.

Advanced Quantum Mechanics, Fall 2017 3/11

 (a) (10pts) Let Ĥ 0 = Ĥ0 − f · x̂, where f is a real constant. Ĥ 0 is related to Ĥ0 by
Û · Ĥ0 · Û † = Ĥ 0 + c. Here c is a real constant, Û = exp(−iX p̂ − iP x̂) is a unitary operator
with real parameters X and P . Solve X and P and c in terms of f, m, ω, h̄.

(b) (10pts) Denote the normalized ground state of Ĥ 0 by |00 i. Evaluate h00 |x̂|00 i and
h00 |p̂|00 i. [Hint: result of (a) may help.]

(c) (10pts) At t = 0, let the state |ψ(t = 0)i = |00 i, evolve this state under Ĥ0 , namely
|ψ(t)i = exp(− h̄i Ĥ0 · t)|ψ(t = 0)i. Evaluate hψ(t)|x̂|ψ(t)i and hψ(t)|p̂|ψ(t)i. [Hint: you
can use either Schrödinger or Heisenberg picture.]

(d) (5pts) Further evaluate hψ(t)|x̂2 |ψ(t)i and hψ(t)|p̂2 |ψ(t)i for |ψ(t)i defined in (c).
Check that the uncertainty relation for x̂ and p̂ is always satisfied. [Hint: it’ll be most
efficient to use the Schrödinger picture and knowledge about boson coherent states.]

(e) (10pts) Define two Hermitian operators: Ô1 = m2 ω 2 x̂2 − p̂2 , Ô2 = mω(x̂p̂ + p̂x̂).
Their Heisenberg picture under Ĥ0 are Ôi,H (t) = exp( h̄i Ĥ0 · t) · Ôi · exp(− h̄i Ĥ0 · t). Write
d
down the Heisenberg equations of motion, Ô (t)
dt i,H
= . . . for i = 1, 2. The right-hand side
of these equations should be expressed in terms of Ôj,H (t) with j = 1, 2.

(f) (5pts) Solve the equations in (e). Namely solve Ôi,H (t) in terms of Ôj,H (t = 0).

Solution: This is similar to Homework #3 Problem 1(d)(e).

(a) By the Baker-Hausdorff formula,
Û x̂Û † = x̂ + [−iX p̂ − iP x̂, x̂] + · · · = x̂ + (−iX)(−ih̄) + 0 + · · · = x̂ − Xh̄, and
Û p̂Û † = p̂ + [−iX p̂ − iP x̂, p̂] + · · · = p̂ + (−iP )(ih̄) + 0 + · · · = p̂ + P h̄.
mω 2 mω 2
Then Û · Ĥ0 · Û † = 1
2m
(Û p̂Û † )2 + 2
(Û x̂Û † )2 = 1
2m
(p̂ + P h̄)2 + 2
(x̂ − Xh̄)2 .
mω 2 2 mω 2 f f2
Compare this with Ĥ 0 = 1 2
2m
p̂ + 2
x̂ − f · x̂ = 1 2
2m
p̂ + 2
(x̂ − mω 2
)2 − 2mω 2 , we get
f f2
X= mω 2 h̄
, P = 0, c = 2mω 2
.

(b) According to (a), Û Ĥ0 Û † = Ĥ 0 + c, there is one-to-one correspondence between the

Advanced Quantum Mechanics, Fall 2017 4/11

eigenstates of Ĥ0 and Ĥ 0 :
if Ĥ0 |ni = En |ni, then Ĥ 0 · Û |ni = (Û Ĥ0 Û † − c) · Û |ni = Û Ĥ0 |ni − cÛ |ni = (En − c) · Û |ni;
conversely, if Ĥ 0 |n0 i = En0 |n0 i, then Ĥ0 · Û † |n0 i = (En0 + c) · Û † |n0 i.
The ground state of Ĥ 0 is Û |0i where |0i is the ground state of Ĥ0 .
h00 |x̂|00 i = h0|Û † x̂Û |0i, h00 |p̂|00 i = h0|Û † p̂Û |0i.
f
Similar to the calculations in (a), Û † x̂Û = x̂ + Xh̄ = x̂ + mω
, Û † p̂Û = p̂ − P h̄ = p̂.
In the ground state |0i of Ĥ0 , h0|x̂|0i = 0 and h0|p̂|0i = 0.
q q
This can be seen from x̂ = h̄
2mω
(b̂ + b̂ †
), and p̂ = − i h̄mω
2
(b̂ − b̂† ), and h0|b̂|0i =
h0|b̂† |0i∗ = 0.
f f
Therefore h00 |x̂|00 i = h0|(x̂ + mω 2
)|0i = mω 2
, h00 |p̂|00 i = h0|p̂|0i = 0.

(c) Method #1: Schrödinger picture.

q
|0 i = exp(−i mω2 h̄ p̂)|0i = exp[− mω2 h̄ h̄mω
0 f f
2
(b̂ − b̂† )]|0i.
q
For notation simplicity, define z = mωf 2 h̄ h̄mω2
, then |00 i = exp(−z ∗ b̂ + z b̂† )|0i
2 /2 2 /2
= e−|z| exp(z b̂† ) exp(−z b̂)|0i = e−|z| exp(z b̂† )|0i is a boson coherent state.
2 /2
Denote boson coherent states e−|z| exp(z b̂† )|0i by |zi hereafter.
2
|ψ(t)i = exp(− h̄i Ĥ0 · t)|00 i = exp(− h̄i Ĥ0 · t) · e−|z| /2 exp(z b̂† ) · exp( h̄i Ĥ0 · t) · exp(− h̄i Ĥ0 · t)|0i
h i i
2
= e−|z| /2 exp z · exp(− h̄i Ĥ0 · t) · b̂† · exp( h̄i Ĥ0 · t) · e− h̄ E0 ·t |0i. Here E0 is the ground state
energy of Ĥ0 .
From Ĥ0 = h̄ω · (b̂† b̂ + 12 ), the commutator [− h̄i Ĥ0 · t, b̂† ] = −iωt · b̂, then by the Baker-
(−iωt)n †
Hausdorff formula, exp(− h̄i Ĥ0 · t) · b̂† · exp( h̄i Ĥ0 · t) = ∞ b̂ = e−iωt b̂† .
P
n=0 n!
2 /2 i i
|ψ(t)i = e−|z| · exp(ze−iωt b̂† ) · e− h̄ E0 ·t |0i = e− h̄ E0 ·t |ze−iωt i, is still a boson coherent state.
Then hψ(t)|b̂|ψ(t)i = ze−iωt , hψ(t)|b̂† |ψ(t)i = z ∗ eiωt .
Finally
q q
f
h̄ †
hψ(t)|x̂|ψ(t)i = hψ(t)| 2mω (b̂ + b̂ )|ψ(t)i = 2mω h̄
(ze−iωt + z ∗ eiωt ) = mω 2 cos(ωt),
q q
hψ(t)|p̂|ψ(t)i = hψ(t)| − i h̄mω
2
(b̂ − b̂† )|ψ(t)i = h̄mω
2
(−ize−iωt + iz ∗ eiωt ) = − ωf sin(ωt),

Method #2: Heisenberg picture.

Define the Heisenberg picture operators x̂H (t) = exp( h̄i Ĥ0 · t) · x̂ · exp(− h̄i Ĥ0 · t), and
p̂H (t) = exp( h̄i Ĥ0 · t) · p̂ · exp(− h̄i Ĥ0 · t).
They satisfy [x̂H (t), p̂H (t)] = ih̄. And the Heisenberg picture of Ĥ0 is simply Ĥ0,H (t) =

Advanced Quantum Mechanics, Fall 2017 5/11

 1 mω 2
[p̂ (t)]2
2m H
+ 2
[x̂H (t)]2 .
The Heisenberg equations of motion for x̂H and p̂H are
d
x̂ (t)
dt H
= h̄i [Ĥ0,H (t), x̂H (t)] = 1
p̂ (t),
m H
and d
p̂ (t)
dt H
= h̄i [Ĥ0,H (t), p̂H (t)] = −mω 2 x̂H (t).
The solution to these equations is
1 1
x̂H (t) = x̂H (t = 0) cos(ωt) + p̂ (t
mω H
= 0) sin(ωt) = x̂ cos(ωt) + mω
p̂ sin(ωt),
p̂H (t) = p̂H (t = 0) cos(ωt) − mωx̂H (t = 0) sin(ωt) = p̂ cos(ωt) − mωx̂ sin(ωt).
Finally,
f
hψ(t)|x̂|ψ(t)i = hψ(t = 0)x̂H (t)|ψ(t = 0)i = h00 |[x̂ cos(ωt) + 1
mω
p̂ sin(ωt)]|00 i = mω 2
cos(ωt),
and hψ(t)|p̂|ψ(t)i = hψ(t = 0)p̂H (t)|ψ(t = 0)i = h00 |[p̂ cos(ωt) − mωx̂ sin(ωt)]|00 i
f f
= −mω mω 2 sin(ωt) = − ω sin(ωt).

i
(d) According to the method #1 of (c), |ψ(t)i = e− h̄ E0 ·t |ze−iωt i is a boson coherent state,
q
−iωt f
b̂|ψ(t)i = ze |ψ(t)i with z = mω2 h̄ h̄mω
2
.
x̂2 = h̄
2mω
(b̂ + b̂† )2 = h̄
2mω
[b̂2 + (b̂† )2 + 2b̂† b̂ + 1].
p̂2 = − h̄mω
2
(b̂ − b̂† )2 = h̄mω
2
[−b̂2 − (b̂† )2 + 2b̂† b̂ + 1].
Finally
hψ(t)|x̂2 |ψ(t)i = h̄
2mω
[z 2 e−2iωt + (z ∗ )2 e2iωt + 2|z|2 + 1] = h̄
2mω
[(ze−iωt + z ∗ eiωt )2 + 1]
f 2 h̄
= [ mω 2 cos(ωt)] + 2mω
, and
hψ(t)|p̂2 |ψ(t)i = h̄mω
2
[−z 2 e−2iωt − (z ∗ )2 e2iωt + 2|z|2 + 1] = h̄mω
2
[−(ze−iωt − z ∗ eiωt )2 + 1]
= [ ωf sin(ωt)]2 + h̄mω
2
.
Combine these with the result of (c), the variance of x̂ and p̂ under state |ψ(t)i are
h̄ h̄mω
hx2 i − hxi2 = 2mω
and hp2 i − hpi2 = 2
, independent of time, and satisfy the uncertainty
2
h̄
relation (hx2 i − hxi2 )(hp2 i − hpi2 ) ≥ 4
.

d d
(e). Ô (t)
dt 1,H
= 2ω Ô2,H (t), and Ô (t)
dt 2,H
= −2ω Ô1,H (t).
Method #1: use the Heisenberg equations of motion, d
Ô (t)
dt H
= h̄i [Ĥ0,H (t), ÔH (t)], and
compute the commutators using [ÂB̂, Ĉ D̂] = Â[B̂, Ĉ]D̂ + [Â, Ĉ]B̂ D̂ + Ĉ Â[B̂, D̂] + Ĉ[Â, D̂]B̂
and [x̂H (t), p̂H (t)] = ih̄.

Method #2: use the Heisenberg equations of motion for x̂H and p̂H in method #2 of (c).
d 1 d
x̂
dt H
= p̂ ,
m H
and p̂
dt H
= −mω 2 x̂H .
For notation simplicity, the argument t for Heisenberg picture operators are omitted here.

Advanced Quantum Mechanics, Fall 2017 6/11

 d d d
dt
(m2 ω 2 x̂2H − p̂2H ) = m2 ω 2 ( dt x̂H · x̂H + x̂H · x̂ )
dt H
− ( ddt p̂H · p̂H + p̂H · d
p̂ )
dt H
1
= m2 ω 2 · (p̂ x̂
m H H
+ x̂H p̂H ) − (−mω 2 )(x̂H p̂H + p̂H x̂H ) = 2ω · mω(x̂H p̂H + p̂H x̂H )
d
dt
[(mω(x̂H p̂H + p̂H x̂H )] = mω( ddt x̂H · p̂H + x̂H · d
p̂
dt H
+ d
p̂
dt H
· x̂H + p̂H · d
x̂ )
dt H

= mω( m1 p̂H · p̂H − mω 2 x̂H · x̂H − mω 2 x̂H · x̂H + 1

p̂
m H
· p̂H ) = −2ω · (m2 ω 2 x̂2H − p̂2 ).

(f). The solution is

Ô1,H (t) = Ô1,H (t = 0) cos(2ωt) + Ô2,H (t = 0) sin(2ωt),
Ô2,H (t) = Ô2,H (t = 0) cos(2ωt) − Ô1,H (t = 0) sin(2ωt).
     
Ô1,H 0 2ω Ô
Method #1: write the equations in (e) as ddt  =  ·  1,H .
Ô2,H −2ω 0 Ô2,H
      
Ô1,H 0 2ω Ô (t = 0)
The solution is   = exp   · t ·  1,H .
Ô2,H −2ω 0 Ô2,H (t = 0)
 
cos(2ωt) sin(2ωt)
 
 ] = exp[i·(2ωt)·σ2 ] = cos(2ωt)σ0 +i sin(2ωt)σ2 = 
0 2ωt
exp[ .
−2ωt 0 − sin(2ωt) cos(2ωt)
[Check Homework #1 Problem 4(b)]
 
2ωt 0
One can also first diagonalize the 2 × 2 matrix  . Or equiva-
−2ωt 0
lently consider d
dt
(Ô1,H ± iÔ2,H ) = ±(2ω i) · (Ô1,H ± iÔ2,H ), whose solution is
(Ô1,H ± iÔ2,H ) = e±2ωti [Ô1,H (t = 0) ± iÔ2,H (t = 0)].

Method #2: In fact these can be obtained without using the equations of motion in (e).
1
Use x̂H = x̂ cos(ωt) + mω
p̂ sin(ωt), and p̂H = p̂ cos(ωt) − mωx̂ sin(ωt). Then
1
Ô1,H = m2 ω 2 x̂2H − p̂2H = m2 ω 2 [x̂ cos(ωt) + mω
p̂ sin(ωt)]2 − [p̂ cos(ωt) − mωx̂ sin(ωt)]2
= (m2 ω 2 x̂2 − p̂2 ) · [cos(ωt)2 − sin(ωt)2 ] + mω(x̂p̂ + p̂x̂) · 2 cos(ωt) sin(ωt), and
n
1
Ô2,H = mω(x̂H p̂H + p̂H x̂H ) = mω · [x̂ cos(ωt) + mω p̂ sin(ωt)] · [p̂ cos(ωt) − mωx̂ sin(ωt)]
o
1
+[p̂ cos(ωt) − mωx̂ sin(ωt)] · [x̂ cos(ωt) + mω p̂ sin(ωt)]
= (m2 ω 2 x̂2 − p̂2 ) · [−2 cos(ωt) sin(ωt)] + mω(x̂p̂ + p̂x̂) · [cos(ωt)2 − sin(ωt)2 ].

Problem 3. (40 points)

The single fermion Hilbert space has complete orthonormal basis |1i and |2i. Denote the

Advanced Quantum Mechanics, Fall 2017 7/11

corresponding creation operators by fˆ1† and fˆ2† . Denote the fermion vacuum state by |vaci.
Then fˆi |vaci = 0, and |ii = fˆ† |vaci for i = 1, 2 respectively, and {fˆi , fˆ† } = δi,j .
i j

(a) (5pts) Write down a complete orthonormal basis for the entire Fock space.

(b) (5pts) Define four “Majorana fermion” operators, η̂1 ≡ (fˆ1 + fˆ1† ), η̂2 ≡ −i(fˆ1 − fˆ1† ),
η̂3 ≡ (fˆ2 + fˆ2† ), η̂4 ≡ −i(fˆ2 − fˆ2† ). They
 are obviously hermitian. Check the anti-
 0, if i 6= j;
commutation relations {η̂i , η̂j } = 2δi,j = [Hint: use the multi-linearity of
 2, if i = j.
anti-commutators. Only i ≤ j cases need to be checked.]

(c) (10pts) Under the basis in (a), write down the matrix representations for each η̂i
†
operator. [Hint: first compute the matrices for fˆ1,2 , then fˆ1,2 are just hermitan conjugates;
for later convenience it may help to write these results as tensor products of Pauli matrices.]

(d) (5pts) Define hermitian operators L̂x = iη̂3 η̂4 , L̂y = iη̂4 η̂2 , and L̂z = iη̂2 η̂3 . Compute
their commutators [L̂a , L̂b ] for a, b = x, y, z and a 6= b, express the results in terms of L̂x,y,z .
Check that L̂2x = L̂2y = L̂2z = 1. [Hint: use the anti-commutation relations in (b). Only
three combinations of a, b need to be considered.]

(e) (5pts) Solve the eigenvalues and normalized eigenstates of L̂x in the entire Fock space.

(f) (5pts) Solve the eigenvalues and normalized eigenstates of L̂z in the entire Fock space.

(g) (5pts) Compute exp(iθL̂z ) · (c1 L̂x + c2 L̂y + c3 L̂z ) · exp(−iθL̂z ), where θ and c1,2,3 are
c-numbers. The result should be a finite degree polynomial of L̂x,y,z . [Hint: either use the
Baker-Hausdorff formula and the result of (d), or expand and compute exp(iθL̂z ) explicitly.]

Solution:
(a) Complete orthonormal basis can be chosen as the occupation basis,
|vaci ≡ |n1 = 0, n2 = 0i, fˆ1† |vaci ≡ |n1 = 1, n2 = 0i, fˆ2† |vaci ≡ |n1 = 0, n2 = 1i, fˆ1† fˆ2† |vaci ≡
|n1 = 1, n2 = 1i.

Advanced Quantum Mechanics, Fall 2017 8/11

 Other choices are possible, but this choice(sequence) will be convenient later.

(b) Use {fˆi , fˆj } = 0, {fˆi , fˆj† } = δi,j .

{η1 , η1 } = {fˆ1 + fˆ† , fˆ1 + fˆ† } = 0 + {fˆ1 , fˆ† } + {fˆ† , fˆ1 } + 0 = 2,
1 1 1 1

{η2 , η2 } = −{fˆ1 − fˆ1† , fˆ1 − fˆ1† }

= −0 + {fˆ1 , fˆ1† }
+ {fˆ1† , fˆ1 } − 0 = 2,
similarly, {η3 , η3 } = {η4 , η4 } = {fˆ2 , fˆ2† } + {fˆ2† , fˆ2 } = 2.
It is also easy to see that {η1 , η3 } = {η1 , η4 } = {η2 , η3 } = {η2 , η4 } = 0, because each term
in the expansion involves creation/annihilation operators of different fermion modes.
{η1 , η2 } = −ifˆ1 + fˆ† , fˆ1 − fˆ† } = −i(0 − {fˆ1 , fˆ† } + {fˆ† , fˆ1 } − 0) = 0,
1 1 1 1

similarly {η3 , η4 } = −i(0 − {fˆ2 , fˆ2† } + {fˆ2† , fˆ2 } − 0) = 0.

(c) Denote the complete orthonormal basis in (a) as |ei i with i = 1, 2, 3, 4, the matrix
P
element Oji ≡ hej |Ô|ei i of an operator Ô can be obtained by Ô|ei i = j |ej i · Oji .
 
0 1 0 0
 
0 0 0 0
fˆ1 is  , because fˆ1 |0, 0i = 0, fˆ1 |1, 0i = |0, 0i, fˆ1 |0, 1i = 0, fˆ1 |1, 1i = |0, 1i.
 
0 0 0 1
 
0 0 0 0
 
0 0 1 0
 
0 0 0 −1
fˆ2 is  , because fˆ2 |0, 0i = 0, fˆ2 |1, 0i = 0, fˆ2 |0, 1i = |0, 0i, fˆ2 |1, 1i = −|1, 0i.
 
0 0 0 0 
 
0 0 0 0
Be careful about the minus sign here.
0 −i 0 0
   
0 1 0 0
i 0 0 0 
   
1 0 0 0
η̂1 is   = σ0 ⊗ σ1 , η̂2 is   = σ0 ⊗ σ2 ,
   
0 0 0 1  0 0 0 − i
   
0 0 1 0 0 0 i 0
0 0 −i 0
   
0 0 1 0
0 0 0 i 
   
0 0 0 −1
η̂3 is   = σ1 ⊗ σ3 , η̂4 is   = σ2 ⊗ σ3 .
   
1 0 0 0   i 0 0 0
   
0 −1 0 0 0 −i 0 0

(d) Method #1: use the anti-commutation relations in (a).

Note that η̂i2 = 1, and η̂i η̂j = −η̂j η̂i if i 6= j.

Advanced Quantum Mechanics, Fall 2017 9/11

 L̂x L̂y = −η̂3 η̂4 η̂4 η̂2 = −η̂3 η̂2 = η̂2 η̂3 = −iL̂z .
L̂y L̂x = −η̂4 η̂2 η̂3 η̂4 = −η̂2 η̂4 η̂4 η̂3 = −η̂2 η̂3 = iL̂z .
Therefore [L̂x , L̂y ] = −2iL̂z . By cyclic permutation of subscripts 2, 3, 4 of η̂, we have
[L̂y , L̂z ] = −2iL̂x , and [L̂z , L̂x ] = −2iL̂y .
L̂2x = −η̂3 η̂4 η̂3 η̂4 = η̂3 η̂4 η̂4 η̂3 = η̂3 η̂3 = 1, and by cyclic permutation of subscripts 2, 3, 4 of
η̂, we have L̂2y = L̂2z = 1.

Method #2: use the result of (c),

The matrix form of L̂x,y,z under the basis of (a) are
L̂x : i(σ1 ⊗ σ3 ) · (σ2 ⊗ σ3 ) = i(σ1 σ2 ⊗ σ3 σ3 ) = −σ3 ⊗ σ0 ;
L̂y : i(σ2 ⊗ σ3 ) · (σ0 ⊗ σ2 ) = i(σ2 σ0 ⊗ σ3 σ2 ) = σ2 ⊗ σ1 ;
L̂z : i(σ0 ⊗ σ2 ) · (σ1 ⊗ σ3 ) = i(σ0 σ1 ⊗ σ2 σ3 ) = −σ1 ⊗ σ1 .
One can then use the multiplication rules for Pauli matrices to produce their commuta-
tion relations.

(e) From the result of (c), L̂x is (−σ3 ⊗ σ0 ) under the basis of (a), which is already
diagonal.
In fact L̂x = 2fˆ2† fˆ2 − 1, according to the definition of η̂i .
The occupation basis are normalized eigenstates of L̂x .
L̂x has
eigenvalue +1 for |n1 = 0, n2 = 1i and |n1 = 1, n2 = 1i;
and eigenvalue −1 for |n1 = 0, n2 = 0i and |n1 = 1, n2 = 0i.

(f) From the result of (c), L̂z is (−σ1 ⊗ σ1 ) under the basis of (a).
This is similar to the operator in Homework #1 Problem 5(a), with an additional minus
sign.
σ1 has eigenvalue +1 with normalized eigenvector √1 (1, 1)T ; and eigenvalue −1 with
2
normalized eigenvector √1 (1, −1).
2
Therefore L̂z has
eigenvalue +1 for normalized eigenvectors √1 (1, 1)T ⊗ √1 (1, −1)T = 1
(1, −1, 1, −1)T and
2 2 2
√1 (1, −1)T ⊗ √1 (1, 1)T = 21 (1, 1, −1, −1)T ; and
2 2
eigenvalue −1 for normalized eigenvectors √1 (1, 1)T ⊗ √1 (1, 1)T = 1
(1, 1, 1, 1)T and
2 2 2

Advanced Quantum Mechanics, Fall 2017 10/11

√1 (1, −1)T ⊗ √1 (1, −1)T = 12 (1, −1, −1, 1)T .
2 2
In fact, the 4 × 4  matrix (−σ 1 ⊗ σ1 ) is already block-diagonalized, with two copies of
0 −1
2 × 2 diagonal block   for the subspaces spanned by basis (|vaci, fˆ1† fˆ2† |vaci) and
−1 0
† †
(fˆ |vaci, fˆ |vaci) respectively. It has
1 2

eigenvalue −1 for √1 (|vaci

2
+ fˆ1† fˆ2† |vaci) and 2 1
†
√1 (fˆ |vaci + fˆ2† |vaci); and
eigenvalue +1 for 1
√ (|vaci
2
− fˆ1† fˆ2† |vaci) and 2 1
†
√1 (fˆ |vaci − fˆ† |vaci).
2

(g) Method #1: use Baker-Hausdorff formula.

This problem is the same as Homework #1 Problem 3, if you make the following replace-
ment there, Â → 1
L̂ ,
2i z
B̂ → 1
L̂ ,
2i x
Ĉ → 1
L̂ ,
2i x
θ → −2θ, a → 2ic3 , b → 2ic1 , c → 2ic2 .
The result of Homework #1 Problem 3 is a + B̂(b cos θ + c sin θ) + Ĉ(c cos θ − b sin θ)
(check the Solution to Homework #1). Therefore exp(iθL̂z )·(c1 L̂x +c2 L̂y +c3 L̂z )·exp(−iθL̂z )
= c3 L̂z + L̂x [c1 cos(2θ) − c2 sin(2θ)] + L̂y [c2 cos(2θ) + c1 sin(2θ)]

Method #2: use the result of (d).

Use L̂2z = 1 from (d),
exp(iθL̂z ) = ∞ (−1)m 2m
m=0 i (2m+1)! θ
+ ∞ (−1)m 2m+1
L̂z = cos θ + i sin θL̂z .
P P
m=0 (2m)! θ

Further use L̂z L̂x = −L̂x L̂z = −iL̂y , and L̂z L̂y = −L̂y L̂z = iL̂x , we have
exp(iθL̂z ) · L̂x · exp(−iθL̂z ) = (cos θ + i sin θL̂z ) · L̂x · (cos θ − i sin θL̂z )
= (cos θL̂x + sin θL̂y ) · (cos θ − i sin θL̂z ) = (cos2 θ − sin2 θ)L̂x + 2 cos θ sin θL̂y
= cos(2θ)L̂x + sin(2θ)L̂y , and
exp(iθL̂z ) · L̂y · exp(−iθL̂z ) = (cos θ + i sin θL̂z ) · L̂y · (cos θ − i sin θL̂z )
= (cos θL̂y − sin θL̂y ) · (cos θ − i sin θL̂z ) = (cos2 θ − sin2 θ)L̂y − 2 cos θ sin θL̂x
= cos(2θ)L̂y − sin(2θ)L̂x , and obviously
exp(iθL̂z ) · L̂z · exp(−iθL̂z ) = L̂z .
These lead to exp(iθL̂z ) · (c1 L̂x + c2 L̂y + c3 L̂z ) · exp(−iθL̂z )
= c1 · [cos(2θ)L̂x + sin(2θ)L̂y ] + c2 · [cos(2θ)L̂y − sin(2θ)L̂x ] + c3 L̂z
= c3 L̂z + L̂x [c1 cos(2θ) − c2 sin(2θ)] + L̂y [c2 cos(2θ) + c1 sin(2θ)]

Advanced Quantum Mechanics, Fall 2017 11/11