Student handout: Spin-1 Time Evolution

Quantum Fundamentals 2023
Students do calculations for time evolution for spin-1.
Spin-1 Time Evolution
  1. Use a completeness relation to rewrite each of the states below in the \(z\)-direction.

    • \(|\psi_A\rangle = |-1\rangle_x\)
    • \(|\psi_B\rangle = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}|+1\rangle_z - \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}|-1\rangle_z\)
    • \(|\psi_C\rangle = |-1\rangle_z\)


  2. Suppose the Hamiltonian is given by \(\hat{H} = \omega_o \hat{S}_x\).

    1. Identify the energy eigenstates and their corresponding energy eigenvalues.
    2. Use them to write each state at a later instant in time.
    3. Represent each state using Arms as complex numbers.


  3. For \(|\psi_C\rangle\):

    1. List the possible values of a measurement of \(S_z\) and calculate the corresponding probabilities.

    2. List the possible values of a measurement of \(S_x\) and calculate the corresponding probabilities.

    3. Graph any probabilities that depend on time.



Keywords
Time Evolution Spin-1
Learning Outcomes