Paper 2, Section II, B

Principles of Quantum Mechanics | Part II, 2021

(a) Let {n}\{|n\rangle\} be a basis of eigenstates of a non-degenerate Hamiltonian HH, with corresponding eigenvalues {En}\left\{E_{n}\right\}. Write down an expression for the energy levels of the perturbed Hamiltonian H+λΔHH+\lambda \Delta H, correct to second order in the dimensionless constant λ1\lambda \ll 1.

(b) A particle travels in one dimension under the influence of the potential

V(X)=12mω2X2+λωX3L3V(X)=\frac{1}{2} m \omega^{2} X^{2}+\lambda \hbar \omega \frac{X^{3}}{L^{3}}

where mm is the mass, ω\omega a frequency and L=/2mωL=\sqrt{\hbar / 2 m \omega} a length scale. Show that, to first order in λ\lambda, all energy levels coincide with those of the harmonic oscillator. Calculate the energy of the ground state to second order in λ\lambda.

Does perturbation theory in λ\lambda converge for this potential? Briefly explain your answer.

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