University Advanced Quantum Mechanics · unit UAQM-10
Second Quantisation and the Hartree-Fock Method
Connect the ideas, make your working visible, and test the result. Use the hints when you need a starting point; open the full solution after your attempt.
Extra challenging questions
A selection from this pathway. Open a topic below for its complete practice and challenge set.
From the Pauli field to occupation numbers on any basis: infer an input with uncertainty
An occupation-number state lists, for an ordered set of orthonormal orbitals, how many identical particles occupy each; a creation operator raises one occupation, with a factor √(n + 1) for bosons and, for fermions, a −1 for each occupied orbital earlier in the order. Use the supplied topic model Y_out = (1-abs(op-floor(s/2^(k-1))%2))*(-1)^((s%2^(k-1))-floor((s%2^(k-1))/2)-floor((s%2^(k-1))/4)-floor((s%2^(k-1))/8)), where Y_out is FERMION COEFFICIENT (dimensionless). The output symbol Y_out is distinct from all input symbols. ^ denotes a power; π = 3.141592653589793; abs(x) means |x|. k is Orbital acted on, k, dimensionless. Keep s (Pattern s = n₁ + 2n₂ + 4n₃ + 8n₄ + 16n₅) = 5; op (Operator: 0 = c†ₖ, 1 = cₖ) = 0 fixed. For this exercise use only 2 ≤ k ≤ 4, at the specified test settings separated by 1. A grid of test settings is an input restriction for this exercise, not by itself a claim of physical quantisation. This calculation retains the topic model's stated assumptions; it does not extend them to a different physical setup. A reading gives Y_out = 0, with a bounded reading uncertainty ±0.16. Treat the model and all fixed inputs as exact for this exercise; the bound is not a standard deviation. Determine every allowed value of k consistent with that bound. Compare with a straight-line interpolation between the two endpoint predictions, and explain why a fractional setting may be inadmissible. Do not assume that the supplied calibration points prove monotonicity outside this branch.
FERMION COEFFICIENT against k
Predictions from the supplied From the Pauli field to occupation numbers on any basis model, with all other inputs fixed as stated in the question. 3 calibration points support a trend comparison; they are not measured data or a straight-line law.
Vertical axis (y): FERMION COEFFICIENT
Horizontal axis (x): k: Orbital acted on, k
Axes show the supplied calibration interval; the origin may lie outside the plot.
Read the exact data as a table
| k: Orbital acted on, k | FERMION COEFFICIENT |
|---|---|
| 2 | -1 |
| 3 | 0 |
| 4 | 1 |
These are the supplied values, not a worked answer. No fitted trend is drawn.
Show a hint
Enumerate the permitted settings in the stated range, evaluate Y_out at each, and retain every setting satisfying |Y_out − Y_measured| ≤ u. The plotted predictions are supplied calibration evidence.
Reveal the worked solution
- Endpoint predictions are Y_out(2) = -1 and Y_out(4) = 1. The target lies between them. On the selected branch the response is strictly increasing.
- Endpoint interpolation gives k_line = 2 + (0 − -1)(4 − 2)/(1 − -1) = 3. This estimates the inverse of the endpoint chord, rather than assuming that chord is the physical model.
- Evaluate the model at each permitted setting. The central reading corresponds to k = 3; only the allowed settings 3 lie inside the stated reading bound.
- The interpolation error in the input is |k_line − k| = 0.
- The compatible allowed values span 3 to 3. Values between specified test settings are outside this exercise's input domain even if an interpolation passes through them.
- The quoted output bound restricts which specified settings remain compatible. It does not change physical restrictions on quantum numbers or counts, and the chosen grid alone does not establish physical quantisation.
Answer Compatible k: 3. Endpoint interpolation predicts 3; check admissibility against the discrete settings.
Compare the assumptions, method and units with your attempt. Explain any correction before trying another question.
Field operators, change of basis and the wavefunction: infer an input with uncertainty
The field operator ψ(x) = Σᵢ φᵢ(x)cᵢ removes a particle at position r with spin σ; it is the same operator whichever complete orthonormal orbitals expand it, and its matrix elements between the vacuum and an N-particle state are that state's wavefunction. Use the supplied topic model Y_out = sqrt(2)*(sin(pi/4)*(cosd(mix)*sin(2*pi*xp) + sind(mix)*sin(3*pi*xp)) - (cosd(mix) + sin(pi/4)*sind(mix))*sin(pi*xp)), where Y_out is Ψ(L/4, x₂) × L (dimensionless). The output symbol Y_out is distinct from all input symbols. ^ denotes a power; π = 3.141592653589793; sqrt(x) means √x; sind/cosd/tand use degrees; unmarked trigonometric functions use radians. mix is Mixing with empty φ₃, β, measured in °. Keep th (Occupied rotation θ) = 0 °; xp (Second electron x₂) = 0.3 L fixed. For this exercise use only 9.5625 ° ≤ mix ≤ 66.2625 ° on this continuous branch. A grid of test settings is an input restriction for this exercise, not by itself a claim of physical quantisation. This calculation retains the topic model's stated assumptions; it does not extend them to a different physical setup. A reading gives Y_out = -0.48679633, with a bounded reading uncertainty ±0.0072932. Treat the model and all fixed inputs as exact for this exercise; the bound is not a standard deviation. First estimate the unknown mix by straight-line interpolation between the two endpoint predictions. Then solve the actual model on the stated branch to an absolute input tolerance of 0.00567 °, using a numerical bracket if required. Find the full input interval consistent with the bounded reading uncertainty and compare it with a symmetric input-error assumption. Do not assume that the supplied calibration points prove monotonicity outside this branch.
Ψ(L/4, x₂) × L against mix
Predictions from the supplied Field operators, change of basis and the wavefunction model, with all other inputs fixed as stated in the question. 5 calibration points support a trend comparison; they are not measured data or a straight-line law.
Vertical axis (y): Ψ(L/4, x₂) × L
Horizontal axis (x): mix: Mixing with empty φ₃, β / °
Axes show the supplied calibration interval; the origin may lie outside the plot.
Read the exact data as a table
| mix: Mixing with empty φ₃, β / ° | Ψ(L/4, x₂) × L |
|---|---|
| 9.5625 | -0.2734453176442383 |
| 23.7375 | -0.37800624570671876 |
| 37.9125 | -0.4595483270530312 |
| 52.087500000000006 | -0.5131060229050558 |
| 66.2625 | -0.5354179152166867 |
These are the supplied values, not a worked answer. No fitted trend is drawn.
Show a hint
The model's endpoint predictions bracket the reading. Solve Y_out(mix) = Y_measured and then solve again at Y_measured − u and Y_measured + u; a nonlinear inverse can give unequal input deviations.
Reveal the worked solution
- Endpoint predictions are Y_out(9.5625) = -0.273445 and Y_out(66.2625) = -0.535418. The target lies between them. On the selected branch the response is strictly decreasing.
- Endpoint interpolation gives mix_line = 9.5625 + (-0.486796 − -0.273445)(66.2625 − 9.5625)/(-0.535418 − -0.273445) = 55.7391 °. This estimates the inverse of the endpoint chord, rather than assuming that chord is the physical model.
- Use the actual equation, not the chord, and bracket its root. Evaluating the midpoint and retaining the sign-changing half-interval gives mix = 44.1495 °; substituting back gives Y_out = -0.48679633.
- The interpolation error in the input is |mix_line − mix| = 11.5896 °. This is larger than the requested numerical tolerance.
- Invert both limits Y_out = -0.49408953 and -0.47950313. Sort the roots even if the response decreases: 42.3476 ° ≤ mix ≤ 46.0838 °.
- The lower and upper input deviations are 1.80192 ° and 1.93435 °. They differ because the inverse response is nonlinear; a symmetric error bar would only be a local approximation. This interval includes reading uncertainty only, not model error or uncertainty in fixed inputs.
Answer mix ≈ 44.1495 °; compatible interval [42.3476, 46.0838] °. Endpoint interpolation gives 55.7391 °.
Compare the assumptions, method and units with your attempt. Explain any correction before trying another question.
One-body operators: the sum of ⟨i|f|j⟩ c†ᵢ cⱼ: infer an input with uncertainty
A one-body operator is the sum of one single-particle operator f over all the particles; in second quantisation it is F = Σᵢⱼ ⟨i|f|j⟩ c†ᵢ cⱼ, each term emptying orbital j and filling orbital i with amplitude ⟨i|f|j⟩. Use the supplied topic model Y_out = cosd(theta), where Y_out is OVERLAP ⟨u|v⟩ (dimensionless). The output symbol Y_out is distinct from all input symbols. ^ denotes a power; π = 3.141592653589793; sind/cosd/tand use degrees. theta is Mixing angle θ, measured in °. Keep k (Admixed box level k) = 2 fixed. For this exercise use only 9.5625 ° ≤ theta ≤ 80.4375 ° on this continuous branch. A grid of test settings is an input restriction for this exercise, not by itself a claim of physical quantisation. This calculation retains the topic model's stated assumptions; it does not extend them to a different physical setup. A reading gives Y_out = 0.60465125, with a bounded reading uncertainty ±0.057218. Treat the model and all fixed inputs as exact for this exercise; the bound is not a standard deviation. First estimate the unknown theta by straight-line interpolation between the two endpoint predictions. Then solve the actual model on the stated branch to an absolute input tolerance of 0.0070875 °, using a numerical bracket if required. Find the full input interval consistent with the bounded reading uncertainty and compare it with a symmetric input-error assumption. Do not assume that the supplied calibration points prove monotonicity outside this branch.
OVERLAP ⟨u|v⟩ against theta
Predictions from the supplied One-body operators: the sum of ⟨i|f|j⟩ c†ᵢ cⱼ model, with all other inputs fixed as stated in the question. 5 calibration points support a trend comparison; they are not measured data or a straight-line law.
Vertical axis (y): OVERLAP ⟨u|v⟩
Horizontal axis (x): theta: Mixing angle θ / °
Axes show the supplied calibration interval; the origin may lie outside the plot.
Read the exact data as a table
| theta: Mixing angle θ / ° | OVERLAP ⟨u|v⟩ |
|---|---|
| 9.5625 | 0.9861049757675088 |
| 27.28125 | 0.8887672777860675 |
| 45 | 0.7071067811865476 |
| 62.71875 | 0.45835873062127136 |
| 80.4375 | 0.16612337814576558 |
These are the supplied values, not a worked answer. No fitted trend is drawn.
Show a hint
The model's endpoint predictions bracket the reading. Solve Y_out(theta) = Y_measured and then solve again at Y_measured − u and Y_measured + u; a nonlinear inverse can give unequal input deviations.
Reveal the worked solution
- Endpoint predictions are Y_out(9.5625) = 0.986105 and Y_out(80.4375) = 0.166123. The target lies between them. On the selected branch the response is strictly decreasing.
- Endpoint interpolation gives theta_line = 9.5625 + (0.604651 − 0.986105)(80.4375 − 9.5625)/(0.166123 − 0.986105) = 42.5334 °. This estimates the inverse of the endpoint chord, rather than assuming that chord is the physical model.
- Use the actual equation, not the chord, and bracket its root. Evaluating the midpoint and retaining the sign-changing half-interval gives theta = 52.7962 °; substituting back gives Y_out = 0.60465125.
- The interpolation error in the input is |theta_line − theta| = 10.2628 °. This is larger than the requested numerical tolerance.
- Invert both limits Y_out = 0.54743325 and 0.66186925. Sort the roots even if the response decreases: 48.5574 ° ≤ theta ≤ 56.8089 °.
- The lower and upper input deviations are 4.23884 ° and 4.01265 °. They differ because the inverse response is nonlinear; a symmetric error bar would only be a local approximation. This interval includes reading uncertainty only, not model error or uncertainty in fixed inputs.
Answer theta ≈ 52.7962 °; compatible interval [48.5574, 56.8089] °. Endpoint interpolation gives 42.5334 °.
Compare the assumptions, method and units with your attempt. Explain any correction before trying another question.
Two-body operators and the many-electron Hamiltonian: infer an input with uncertainty
A two-body operator in second quantisation removes a pair of particles from any two orbitals and puts them into any two, the same or different, weighted by the interaction's matrix element between the pairs: V̂ = ½Σ⟨ij|v|kl⟩c†ᵢc†ⱼcₗcₖ, with the annihilators in reverse order. Use the supplied topic model Y_out = ord*(11.422-1.1945*sind(2*th)), where Y_out is ⟨V̂⟩ IN ψ(θ) (eV). The output symbol Y_out is distinct from all input symbols. ^ denotes a power; π = 3.141592653589793; sind/cosd/tand use degrees. th is Mixing angle θ, measured in °. Keep ord (Annihilator order: +1 cₗcₖ, −1 cₖcₗ) = 1 fixed. For this exercise use only 51.975 ° ≤ th ≤ 70.875 ° on this continuous branch. A grid of test settings is an input restriction for this exercise, not by itself a claim of physical quantisation. This calculation retains the topic model's stated assumptions; it does not extend them to a different physical setup. A reading gives Y_out = 10.46813 eV, with a bounded reading uncertainty ±0.03081 eV. Treat the model and all fixed inputs as exact for this exercise; the bound is not a standard deviation. First estimate the unknown th by straight-line interpolation between the two endpoint predictions. Then solve the actual model on the stated branch to an absolute input tolerance of 0.00189 °, using a numerical bracket if required. Find the full input interval consistent with the bounded reading uncertainty and compare it with a symmetric input-error assumption. Do not assume that the supplied calibration points prove monotonicity outside this branch.
⟨V̂⟩ IN ψ(θ) against th
Predictions from the supplied Two-body operators and the many-electron Hamiltonian model, with all other inputs fixed as stated in the question. 5 calibration points support a trend comparison; they are not measured data or a straight-line law.
Vertical axis (y): ⟨V̂⟩ IN ψ(θ) / eV
Horizontal axis (x): th: Mixing angle θ / °
Axes show the supplied calibration interval; the origin may lie outside the plot.
Read the exact data as a table
| th: Mixing angle θ / ° | ⟨V̂⟩ IN ψ(θ) / eV |
|---|---|
| 51.974999999999994 | 10.262730017441827 |
| 56.699999999999996 | 10.325742099620484 |
| 61.425 | 10.418508249867715 |
| 66.15 | 10.538510657048052 |
| 70.875 | 10.682492277549404 |
These are the supplied values, not a worked answer. No fitted trend is drawn.
Show a hint
The model's endpoint predictions bracket the reading. Solve Y_out(th) = Y_measured and then solve again at Y_measured − u and Y_measured + u; a nonlinear inverse can give unequal input deviations.
Reveal the worked solution
- Endpoint predictions are Y_out(51.975) = 10.2627 eV and Y_out(70.875) = 10.6825 eV. The target lies between them. On the selected branch the response is strictly increasing.
- Endpoint interpolation gives th_line = 51.975 + (10.4681 − 10.2627)(70.875 − 51.975)/(10.6825 − 10.2627) = 61.2232 °. This estimates the inverse of the endpoint chord, rather than assuming that chord is the physical model.
- Use the actual equation, not the chord, and bracket its root. Evaluating the midpoint and retaining the sign-changing half-interval gives th = 63.504 °; substituting back gives Y_out = 10.46813 eV.
- The interpolation error in the input is |th_line − th| = 2.28076 °. This is larger than the requested numerical tolerance.
- Invert both limits Y_out = 10.43732 eV and 10.49894 eV. Sort the roots even if the response decreases: 62.2389 ° ≤ th ≤ 64.6989 °.
- The lower and upper input deviations are 1.26506 ° and 1.19489 °. They differ because the inverse response is nonlinear; a symmetric error bar would only be a local approximation. This interval includes reading uncertainty only, not model error or uncertainty in fixed inputs.
Answer th ≈ 63.504 °; compatible interval [62.2389, 64.6989] °. Endpoint interpolation gives 61.2232 °.
Compare the assumptions, method and units with your attempt. Explain any correction before trying another question.