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let be the Hamiltonian $ H=f(xp) $ if we consider canonical quantization so

$ f( -ix \frac{d}{dx}-\frac{i}{2})\phi(x)= E_{n} \phi(x)$

here 'f' is a real valued function so i believe that $ f(xp) $ is an Hermitian operator, however

How could i solve for a generic 'f' the eqution above ? , in case 'f' is a POlynomial i have no problem to solve it the same in case f is an exponential but for a generic 'f' how could i use operator theory to get the eigenvalue spectrum ?¿

Jose Javier Garcia
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  • Comment to the question(v2): On one hand, OP seems to know to use $(xp+px)/2 = -ix \frac{d}{dx}-\frac{i}{2}$ in the Schr. eq., where $p=-i\frac{d}{dx}$. On the other hand, he apparently forgets to write it consistently later in the question formulation(v2). – Qmechanic May 13 '12 at 13:53

2 Answers2

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$xp$ is not Hermitian, but $(xp+px)/2$ is. Thus you need to use the latter as an argument.

To solve the time-independent Schroedinger equatione, first solve it for $H=(xp+px)/2$, and note that the eigenvectors don't change when taking a function of this operator.

Arnold Neumaier
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This is a lengthier comment...

Is the first $f$ the same as the second, i.e. where is the $-\frac{i}{2}$ coming from? $\frac{1}{2}$? Is it the function in the second expression shifted by this number / does it come from permuting $X$ and $P$? Is $p=-i\frac{\text{d}}{\text{d}x}$? What does real valued function mean here?

Does $$\left(x\frac{\text{d}}{\text{d}x}\right)^n x^m =\left(x\frac{\text{d}}{\text{d}x}\right)^{n-1} (x\ m\ x^{m-1}) =m\left(x\frac{\text{d}}{\text{d}x}\right)^{n-1} x^m =m^n x^m$$ help?

Let $B=x\frac{\text{d}}{\text{d}x}$, so that $B^nx^m=m^n x^m$ and consider $H$ in the form $\beta(B)=\sum_n b_n B^n$. Collect all the powers of $-\frac{i}{2}$ in $b_0$, and notice that the real even powers $(-\frac{i}{2})^{2N}\phi(x)=\pm\frac{1}{4^N}\phi(x)$ are merely energy shifts in your equation.

Then

$$H\phi(x)=\left(\sum_n b_n B^n\right)\left(\sum_m\varphi_mx^m\right)=\sum_m\left(\sum_nb_nm^n\right)\varphi_mx^m=\sum_m\beta(m)\varphi_mx^m.$$

E.g. for $\phi(x)=Cx^k$, integrable in a box, you find $H\phi(x)=\beta(k)\phi(x)$.

If $\beta$ is periodic, e.g. $\beta(2)=\beta(5)$, then there are other solutions like $\phi(x)=C_1x^2+C_2x^5$ too.

Nikolaj-K
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