Introduction to Quantum Mechanics · Problem 11.26

Quantum Dynamics — David J. Griffiths

Physics — Quantum Mechanics · time-dependent-perturbation-uniform-potential

Problem

A particle starts out (at time t=0t = 0) in the NNth state of the infinite square well. Now the "floor" of the well rises temporarily (maybe water leaks in, and then drains out again), so that the potential inside is uniform but time dependent: V0(t)V_0(t), with V0(0)=V0(T)=0V_0(0) = V_0(T) = 0. (a) Solve for the exact cm(t)c_m(t), using Equation 11.116, and show that the wave function changes phase, but no transitions occur. Find the phase change, ϕ(T)\phi(T), in terms of the function V0(t)V_0(t). (b) Analyze the same problem in first-order perturbation theory, and compare your answers. *Comment:* The same result holds whenever the perturbation simply adds a constant (constant in xx, that is, not in tt) to the potential; it has nothing to do with the infinite square well, as such. Compare Problem 1.8.

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