The gauge-invariant formulation of quantum mechanics is compared to the conventional approach for the case of a one-dimensional charged harmonic oscillator in an electromagnetic field in the electric dipole approximation. The probability of finding the oscillator in the ground state or excited states as a function of time is calculated, and the two approaches give different results. On the basis of gauge invariance, the gauge-invariant formulation of quantum mechanics gives the correct probability, while the conventional approach is incorrect for this problem. Therefore, expansion coefficients or a wave function cannot always be interpreted as probability amplitudes. For a physical interpretation as probability amplitudes the expansion coefficients must be gauge invariant.
Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:unt.edu/info:ark/67531/metadc504158 |
Date | 08 1900 |
Creators | Wen, Chang-tai |
Contributors | Kobe, Donald Holm, Redding, Rogers W., Deering, William D. |
Publisher | North Texas State University |
Source Sets | University of North Texas |
Language | English |
Detected Language | English |
Type | Thesis or Dissertation |
Format | v, 103 leaves: ill., Text |
Rights | Public, Wen, Chang-tai, Copyright, Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved. |
Page generated in 0.0079 seconds