Hamiltonian and unitary quantum evolution
A closed quantum system evolves by iħ d|ψ⟩/dt=H(t)|ψ⟩.
Key knowledge
A closed quantum system evolves by iħ d|ψ⟩/dt=H(t)|ψ⟩. For a time-independent self-adjoint Hamiltonian, U(t,t₀)=exp[−iH(t−t₀)/ħ] preserves the state norm; time-dependent noncommuting Hamiltonians require time ordering.
Values and equations
iħ d|ψ⟩/dt=H(t)|ψ⟩; U=exp[−iH(t−t₀)/ħ] for fixed H
- H
- Hamiltonian operator J
- ħ
- Reduced Planck constant J s
- t,t₀
- Times s
- ψ,U
- Normalized state and unitary evolution operator
Conditions and scope
- Use a self-adjoint generator with an appropriate domain and a well-defined propagator; Hermitian matrix models are finite-dimensional special cases.
- Open-system dissipative evolution is outside this unitary rule.
Sources · 1
References
Sources retain their recorded scope. A source link alone does not establish verification of every statement.
Evidence and review
Quantum Mechanics (2016): Schrödinger equation of motion: Equations 3.5, 3.10 and 3.14–3.15, including the commuting-time qualification.
2026-10-10 · Independent AI editorial review: All 136 unique authored Physics compact statements, all hypotheses and displayed equations/variable/units tables, all 192 Physics-origin semantic links, exact 165 author inspection matrix and mapped retained conceptual claims have been independently read. Three Physics-tagged Measurement realization records are delegated to root Measurement review. Scientific source verification combines exact author section inspection with independent whole compact-content/semantic review and targeted primary rechecks recorded below; it does not claim each full source body was independently reread. Independent AI editorial review is not human specialist certification or experimental replication. Field inventory is approved after independently reviewing the two added source-inspected band-construction methods. Receipt: physics-independent-content-inventory-review.1.
Entry details
Permanent link to this entry ↗- Record identity
- physics-unitary-quantum-dynamics
- Revision
- university-core.1
- Structured reference record
- University core expansion