Ground State of the Simple Harmonic Oscillator in p-space

In summary, the problem asks to find the eigenstate of a particle in the ground state of a simple harmonic oscillator when operated on by the momentum operator, and then to represent this operation in terms of probability density in momentum space. The solution involves using the Fourier Transform to find the probability density in momentum space, which is given by the magnitude of the transformed wave function. However, the purpose or significance of this step is unclear.
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Homework Statement


A particle is in the ground state of a simple harmonic oscillator, potential → V(x)=[itex]\frac{1}{2}[/itex]mω[itex]^{2}[/itex]x[itex]^{2}[/itex]
Imagine that you are in the ground state |0⟩ of the 1DSHO, and you operate on it with the momentum operator p, in terms of the a and a† operators. What is the eigenstate? Then, how would you represent this operation in terms of a probability density in momentum space?

Homework Equations


p=i[itex]\sqrt{\frac{\hbar m ω}{2}}[/itex](a†-a)
Fourier Transform, x→p-space

The Attempt at a Solution


p|0⟩=i[itex]\sqrt{\frac{\hbar m ω}{2}}[/itex]|1⟩
So now the particle is in the first excited state of the SHO

But I don't understand the next part of the problem. How can I represent this terms of probability density in p-space?

I can perform the Fourier Transform and find that,

[itex]\Phi[/itex](p,t)=[itex]\sqrt{2}[/itex]([itex]\frac{\pi \hbar}{m ω}[/itex])[itex]^{\frac{1}{4}}[/itex] e[itex]^{\frac{-p^{2}}{2 \hbar m ω} - \frac{i t ω}{2}}[/itex]

And the probability density is,

|[itex]\Phi[/itex](p,t)|[itex]^{2}[/itex]=2[itex]\sqrt{\frac{\pi \hbar}{m ω}}[/itex] e[itex]^{\frac{-p^{2}}{\hbar m ω}}[/itex]

I don't believe I understand what this part of the question is asking. Any suggestions/ideas would be greatly appreciated.
 
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  • #2
It doesn't make sense to me either. Is that the problem statement exactly as it was given to you?
 
  • #3
Yes. Word for word.

Maybe it is supposed to be something like; "Find the expectation value of p...and then do the same thing in p-space."
But that seems too simple and we've already covered that. The p operator in p-space is just p.
 

Related to Ground State of the Simple Harmonic Oscillator in p-space

1. What is the ground state of the simple harmonic oscillator in p-space?

The ground state of the simple harmonic oscillator in p-space refers to the lowest energy state of the system when it is in a state of stable equilibrium. In this state, the oscillator has its lowest possible energy and is at rest.

2. How is the ground state of the simple harmonic oscillator in p-space determined?

The ground state of the simple harmonic oscillator in p-space is determined by solving the Schrödinger equation for the system, which describes the wavefunction and energy levels of a quantum mechanical system. The ground state wavefunction is then found by applying the boundary conditions of the system.

3. What is the significance of the ground state in the simple harmonic oscillator in p-space?

The ground state in the simple harmonic oscillator in p-space is important because it provides a reference point for understanding the behavior of the oscillator. The excited states of the oscillator can be described in terms of their energy levels relative to the ground state.

4. How does the ground state of the simple harmonic oscillator in p-space differ from the ground state in x-space?

The ground state of the simple harmonic oscillator in p-space is related to the momentum of the oscillator, while the ground state in x-space is related to the position of the oscillator. In p-space, the ground state has a non-zero momentum and a probability distribution that is spread out over a range of momenta, while in x-space, the ground state has a probability distribution that is localized around a specific position.

5. Can the ground state of the simple harmonic oscillator in p-space be observed experimentally?

Yes, the ground state of the simple harmonic oscillator in p-space can be observed experimentally through various techniques such as spectroscopy or scattering experiments. These experiments can measure the energy levels and probability distribution of the oscillator in p-space, providing evidence for the existence of the ground state.

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