In: Physics
Consider a system with a pair of observable quantities A and B, whose commutation relations with the Hamiltonian take the form [H, A] = iwB, [H, B] = −iwA, where w is some real constant. Suppose that the expectation values of A and B are known at time t = 0. Give formulas for the expectation values of A and B as a function of time.
We will use the Heisenberg picture. In Heisenberg picture, the time evolution of operator isdetermined by Heisenberg equation of motion.
(i)
We have two commutation relations
[H, A] =iωB, (ii)
[H, B] =-iωA. (iii)
Combine these relations,we can get
(iv)
(v)
Taking second derivatives,
(vi)
(vii)
Since A and B are obsrvable quantiry, hence their expectation values are real.
Hence the solution of the above two equations (vi) and (vii):
(viii)
and
(ix)
Taking derivative of (viii),
from eqn (iv),
hence
C1 = -D2 and C2 = D1
Thus, the expectation values of A and B are given as
values of C1 and C2 can be found from expectation values of A and B at t=0