A Modern Approach to Quantum Mechanics · Problem 7.24

Path Integrals — John S. Townsend

Physics — Quantum Mechanics · coherent-states-ground-state

Problem

The eigenstate of a^\hat{a} with eigenvalue α\alpha is the coherent state ∣α⟩|\alpha\rangle. This state is a minimum uncertainty state. The ground state of the harmonic oscillator is also a minimum uncertainty state. Is the ground state a coherent state? If so, what is the corresponding eigenvalue α\alpha? Is the time evolution of the ground state consistent with (7.82)?

Related theory

Browse the problem library