Time dependent perturbation theory

In summary, time dependent perturbation theory is a mathematical tool used to study the dynamics of a quantum mechanical system under external perturbations. It differs from time independent perturbation theory in that it takes into account the time evolution of the system. The key equations used are the Schrödinger equation and the time dependent perturbation theory formula. It is applied by calculating the perturbed state of the system at different points in time. Some practical applications include studying the interactions between light and matter, understanding the behavior of systems under external forces, and developing technologies such as lasers and semiconductors.
  • #1
jc09
45
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Hi I was wondering if someone could help me out. I have been studying TDPT and was wondering how it applies to atomic physics or if someone could give me a example that would be great.
 
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  • #2
The usual example given for TDPT is stimulated emission. You put a hydrogen atom which is in an excited state, and see that a time-varying electric-field perturbation will cause that hydrogen atom to spontaneously decay to a lower energy state, and therefore emit a photon.
 

Related to Time dependent perturbation theory

1. What is time dependent perturbation theory?

Time dependent perturbation theory is a mathematical tool used to study the dynamics of a quantum mechanical system that is subject to an external perturbation or disturbance. It allows us to calculate how the system's properties, such as energy levels and transition probabilities, change over time in response to the perturbation.

2. How does time dependent perturbation theory differ from time independent perturbation theory?

Time dependent perturbation theory takes into account the time evolution of a system, while time independent perturbation theory assumes that the system is in a stationary state and only considers the effects of the perturbation on the system's energy levels. Time dependent perturbation theory is necessary for studying systems that are not in a stationary state, such as those that are subject to time-varying external forces.

3. What are the key equations used in time dependent perturbation theory?

The key equations used in time dependent perturbation theory are the Schrödinger equation, which describes the time evolution of a quantum system, and the time dependent perturbation theory formula, which allows us to calculate the perturbed state of the system at a given time based on the unperturbed state and the perturbation.

4. How is time dependent perturbation theory applied in practice?

In practice, time dependent perturbation theory is applied by first determining the unperturbed state of the system, such as the energy levels and wavefunctions. Then, the perturbation is introduced and the time dependent perturbation theory formula is used to calculate the perturbed state of the system at different points in time. This allows us to study how the system evolves over time in response to the perturbation.

5. What are some practical applications of time dependent perturbation theory?

Time dependent perturbation theory has many practical applications in fields such as quantum mechanics, chemistry, and solid state physics. It is used to study the interactions between light and matter, such as in spectroscopy, and to understand the behavior of systems under external forces, such as in the study of electric and magnetic fields. It is also used in the development of technologies, such as lasers and semiconductors, that rely on the principles of quantum mechanics.

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