Oscillator creation and annihilation operators
For the canonical oscillator, a=√(mω/(2ħ))x+ip/√(2mħω) and its adjoint satisfy [a,a†]=1.
Key knowledge
For the canonical oscillator, a=√(mω/(2ħ))x+ip/√(2mħω) and its adjoint satisfy [a,a†]=1. H=ħω(a†a+½); a|n⟩=√n|n−1⟩ and a†|n⟩=√(n+1)|n+1⟩ with a|0⟩=0.
Values and equations
[a,a†]=1; H=ħω(a†a+½); a|n⟩=√n|n−1⟩; a†|n⟩=√(n+1)|n+1⟩
- a,a†
- Dimensionless lowering and raising operators
- H
- Hamiltonian J
- ħ
- Reduced Planck constant J s
- ω
- Angular frequency rad s⁻¹
- n
- Nonnegative integer occupation
- |n⟩
- Normalized number eigenstate
Conditions and scope
- Canonical [x,p]=iħ on the oscillator domain; normalized number eigenstates and m,ω>0.
- The null vector a|0⟩ is not a state with negative excitation.
Sources · 1
References
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Evidence and review
Physical Chemistry 5.61 (2007), oscillator ladder supplement: Pages 1–5: definitions, commutator, normalized raising/lowering and number Hamiltonian.
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