Quantum Mechanics Qualify Exam, Part I, 50 points 2023 − 10 – 12

1. The Hamiltonian of a certain two-level system is represented by the

matrix
h 𝑔
𝐻=( ),
𝑔 ℎ
where h and g are real numbers. If the
1
system starts out in the state |𝑠(0)⟩ = ( ), what is |𝑠(𝑡)⟩? (25%)
0

1
2. A particle in the harmonic oscillator potential, 𝑉(𝑥) = 𝑚𝜔2 𝑥 2, starts
2

out in the state Ψ(x, 0) = A[3ψ0 (x) + 4ψ1 (x)] , where ψ0 (𝑥) and
ψ1 (𝑥) are the ground-state and first-excited wavefunctions,
respectively.
(a) Construct Ψ(x, t). (10%)
(b) Find <x> and <p>. (15%)
Quantum Mechanics Qualify Exam – Part II (50 points) 2023-10-12

1. [20 points] Consider the following matrix representations of the 𝒙𝒙- and 𝒚𝒚-components of the
angular momentum operator.

1 0 1 0 1 0 −𝑖𝑖 0
𝑳𝑳𝒙𝒙 = �1 0 1� ， 𝑳𝑳𝒚𝒚 = � 𝑖𝑖 0 −𝑖𝑖 �
√2 0 1 0 √2 0 𝑖𝑖 0
(a) Calculate 𝑳𝑳𝒛𝒛 , using the algebra of angular momentum operators. (4 points)
(b) What is the corresponding value of 𝒍𝒍, the angular momentum quantum number. (4 points)
(c) Calculate 〈𝑳𝑳𝒙𝒙 〉，〈𝑳𝑳𝟐𝟐𝒙𝒙 〉 and ∆𝑳𝑳𝒙𝒙 = 〈(𝑳𝑳𝒙𝒙 − 〈𝑳𝑳𝒙𝒙 〉)2 〉1⁄2 . Here 〈 〉 refers to matrix elements
taken with respect to a normalized eigenvector of 𝑳𝑳𝒛𝒛 belonging to the eigenvalue 1.
(12 points)

2. [15%] A spin 1⁄2 electron is in a uniform magnetic field ��⃗ 𝑩𝑩 = 𝐵𝐵𝒛𝒛�. At time 𝑡𝑡 = 0 the spin is
pointing in the 𝒙𝒙-direction, i.e., 〈𝑺𝑺𝒙𝒙 (𝑡𝑡 = 0)〉 = ℏ⁄2. Calculate the expectation value 〈𝑺𝑺(𝑡𝑡)〉 at
time 𝑡𝑡. (15 points)

3. [15%] Define 𝑵𝑵 = 𝒃𝒃+ 𝒃𝒃, 𝒃𝒃+ being the Hermitian conjugate of the operator 𝒃𝒃, where 𝒃𝒃𝒃𝒃+ +
𝒃𝒃+ 𝒃𝒃 = 1, and 𝒃𝒃𝟐𝟐 = 0.
(a) Is 𝒃𝒃 Hermitian? (3 points)
(b) Is 𝑵𝑵 Hermitian? (3 points)
(c) Show that 𝑵𝑵𝟐𝟐 = 𝑵𝑵 and find the eigenvalues of 𝑵𝑵. (5 points)
(d) Find a representation of 𝒃𝒃 in terms of the Pauli matrices. (4 points)
Quantum Mechanics Qualifying Exam Part III (50 points) 2023/10/12

1. Consider a particle of mass m in a potential V (r ) .

(a) Write down the Schrödinger equation that the wave function 
satisfies. (5 points)
(b) If the wave function can be written as an incident plane wave plus
2mE
an outgoing scattered wave   eikz  f (r ) , where k  2
, derive

a differential equation for f (r ) in the first Born approximation.

(15 points)

2. A particle of mass m in a one-dimensional potential box

 for | x | 3 | a |
0 a  x  3a
 for
V ( x)   . Consider the V0 part as a perturbation on
0 for 3a  x  a
V0 for a  x  a

a flat box of length 6a .

(a) Calculate the energy eigenvalues and normalized eigenfunctions of
a particle in a flat box ( V  0 for 3a  x  3a , V   for
| x | 3 | a | ). (15 points)

(b) Use the first order perturbation method to calculate the energy of
the ground state. (15 points)
 Quantum Mechanics Qualifying Exam Part I (50 points) 2023/3/16

1. A particle of mass m is confined to a one-dimensional potential

∞ for x < 0

=V 0 for 0 ≤ x ≤ a . At t =0 its normalized wave function is

∞ for x > a

8   π x   π x 
ψ ( x,= =
t 0) 1 + cos  a   sin  a  .
5a     

(a) Write down the energy eigenvalues En and the normalized

eigenfunctions ψ n . (10 points)

(b) Express ψ ( x, t = 0) in terms of ψ n , and obtain the wave function at

a later time t = t0 . (5 points)

(c) What is the average energy of the system at t = 0 and t = t0 ?

(5 points)
(d) What is the probability that the particle is found in the left half of
the box (i.e., in the region 0 ≤ x ≤ a / 2 ) at t = t0 ? (5 points)

2. Consider a simple harmonic oscillator with Hamiltonian

p 2 mω 2 2
=
H + x .
2m 2
4
2
(a) Show that  H , =
H , x 2   (2ω ) 2 x 2 − H . (10 points)
m
(b) Write down the position operator in terms of the creation and
annihilation operators, and calculate the matrix element n ' | x | n .

(10 points)
(c) Calculate the matrix elements of the square of the position,
n ' | x 2 | n , and show that they vanish unless n '= n ± 2 or n ' = n .

(5 points)
Quantum Mechanics Qualifying Exam Part II (50 points) 2023/03/16

1. Suppose that we have a particle of mass m constrained to move on a

circle of radius R.
(a) What is the Hamiltonian of such a particle? (3 points)
(b) write down the Hamiltonian based on the ladder operators 𝑎+ and 𝑎 (5
points),
(c) Please calculate its eigenvalues 𝐸n for the nth eigenvector (4 points).

/ 1
2. Suppose a particle with spin is in the state of 𝜒 = /23
0

(a) Calculate the normalization constant A. (3 points)

(b) Calculate the expectation values of Sx, Sy and Sz. (6 points)
(c) What are the probabilities of getting expectation value +ℏ/2 and -ℏ/2,
if you measure Sx, Sy and Sz? (9 points)

3. Consider a particle in a state described by the wave function

B
𝜓 = 𝐴( sin 𝜃 + 𝑒−𝑖𝜙 cos 𝜃)𝑔(𝑟) , where C
|𝑔(𝑟)|𝑟 1 𝑑𝑟 = 1 and A is a

real constant.
(a) Calculate the normalization constant A. (5 points).
(b) Write the wave function in terms of spherical harmonics. (3 points)
(c) Write down the possible values of a measurement of the
z-component Lz of the angular momentum in this state, and calculate the
probability of obtaining each of these values. (8 points)
(d) Calculate the expectation value of Lz. (4 points)
/ H H
[Hint: 𝑌CC = , 𝑌/C = sin 𝜃, 𝑌/±/ = ∓ sin 𝜃 𝑒 ±3L .]
FG FG KG
 Quantum Mechanics Part III (50 points)

1. [25 points] (a)[10] The scattering process is depicted in Fig. 1. Define the differential
cross-section 𝑑𝜎/𝑑Ω using the impact parameter 𝑏 and solid angle 𝑑Ω.

(b)[10] In the quantum theory of scattering, when an incident plane wave, described by
𝜓(𝑧)!" = 𝐴𝑒 !#$ , travels in the z direction and encounters a scattering potential, an outgoing
spherical wave is produced and written as (Fig. 2) as:
𝑒 !#)
𝜓(𝑟, 𝜃)%&'( ≈ 𝑓(𝜃) for large 𝑟.
𝑟
ϕ

Using the condition, which the incident probability passing through 𝑑𝜎 area is equal to the
probability of scattering into a solid angle 𝑑Ω, derive the
θ
relation between 𝑑𝜎/𝑑Ω and
𝑓(𝜃).

Fig. 1: Particles incident in the area 𝑑𝜎 scatter into the

solid angle 𝑑Ω. ϕ
θ

Fig. 2: Scattering of waves; an incoming plane wave

generates an outgoing spherical wave.

1. [20 points]
θ

(a)[10] Show that the total wave function of two identical particles must be either
symmetry or anti-symmetry.
(b)[10] Show the Pauli exclusion principle based on the principles of quantum
mechanics.

2. [10 points] If the Hamiltonian of a quantum system is invariant under time-reversal (T)
transformation, show that the time-reversal transformation is an anti-unitary.
Quantum Mechanics Qualify Exam, Part I, 50 points 2022 − 10 – 13

1. What is Ehrenfest theorem? Please prove it. (15%)

2. Consider the one-dimensional simple harmonic oscillator potential

1
𝑉𝑉(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑚𝑚𝜔𝜔2 𝑥𝑥 2 , where m is the mass of the particle. Compute the
2

expectation values of <x>, <x2> and <p2> for the nth stationary state.
(15%)

3. Consider the double delta-function potential

𝑉𝑉(𝑥𝑥) = −𝛼𝛼[𝛿𝛿(𝑥𝑥 + 𝑎𝑎) + 𝛿𝛿(𝑥𝑥 − 𝑎𝑎)] , where a and α are positive
constants.
(a) Sketch this potential. (5%)
(b) How many bound states does it possess? (15%)
 Quantum Mechanics Part II (50 points)
A. Consider an atom with total angular momentum 𝐹⃑ = 𝐽⃑ + 𝐼⃑, where 𝐽⃑ is the
total angular momentum of the electron and 𝐼⃑ is the nuclear spin.
The system can be represented as
𝑗
|𝐹 𝑀⟩ = ∑𝑚1 =−𝑗 ∑𝑖𝑚2 =−𝑖|𝑗 𝑚1 𝑖 𝑚2 ⟩⟨𝑗 𝑚1 𝑖 𝑚2 |𝐹 𝑀⟩,

3
where ⟨𝑗 𝑚1 𝑖 𝑚2 |𝐹 𝑀⟩ is called Clebsch–Gordan coefficient. For 𝐽 = 2 and

1
𝐼 = 2, please write down all related Clebsch–Gordan coefficients. Assume

3 3 1 1
⟨2 |2 2⟩ = 1. (20 points)
2 2 2

Hint: you may find this formula 𝑱± |𝑗, 𝑚⟩ = ℏ√(𝑗 ∓ 𝑚)(𝑗 ± 𝑚 + 1)|𝑗, 𝑚 ± 1⟩
useful.

B. In the question above, 𝑱± is called ladder operator, which can be written as

𝑱± = 𝑱𝒙 ± 𝑖𝑱𝒚 . They have a relation that [𝑱𝒊 , 𝑱𝒋 ] = 𝑖ℏ𝜖𝑖𝑗𝑘 𝑱𝒌 .
If 𝑱𝟐𝒙 + 𝑱𝟐𝒚 + 𝑱𝟐𝒛 = 𝑱𝟐 and 𝑱𝒛 |𝑗, 𝑚⟩ = 𝑚ℏ|𝑗, 𝑚⟩, please derive the formula
𝑱± |𝑗, 𝑚⟩ = ℏ√(𝑗 ∓ 𝑚)(𝑗 ± 𝑚 + 1)|𝑗, 𝑚 ± 1⟩. (15 points)

C. The solutions to the hydrogen atom Schrödinger equation can be written as

𝜓𝑛,𝑙,𝑚 (𝑟, 𝜃, 𝜙) = 𝑅𝑛,𝑙 (𝑟)𝑌𝑙𝑚 (𝜃, 𝜙)
Here 𝑌𝑙𝑚 (𝜃, 𝜙) are called spherical harmonics.
3 3
Given 𝑌10 = √4𝜋 cos 𝜃 , 𝑌1±1 = ∓√8𝜋 sin 𝜃 𝑒 ±𝑖𝜙 , please write down the

orthonormal, normalization and parity relation of spherical harmonics and

demonstrate them by the given spherical harmonics. (15 points)
 Quantum Mechanics Part III (50 points)

1. [10 points] If a quantum system is time-reversal (T) invariance, show that how
the wave function, which obeys the Schrodinger equation, transforms under the
T transformation

2. [25 points] When the incident particles collide with a target, the number 763
14 .1 Partial Waves of
scattered particles can be formulated as
particles in the incident beam in Rutherford's experiments was found to be incon-
sistent with Thomson's model of the atom. For it is easily shown that ex particles,
after passing through hundreds of such spheres of distributed charge, are deflected
at most only by a few degrees. On the other hand, the actual scattering data are
consistent with an atomic model in which the positive charge is concentrated in
𝑑𝑁 = %%%%⃗
𝐽!" ⋅ 𝑑𝑆⃗ = 𝑟 %%%%⃗
𝐽 ⋅ 𝑑Ω%%⃗ = 𝐽⃗
# of small diameter. Large angle of scatter is then experienced by ex
a central core
!" sufficiently close$%"
particles which pass
𝑑𝜎,
to the positive nucleus.

where 𝐽%%%%⃗ ⃗
!" and 𝐽$%" are scattered current
Scattering and incident current densities,
Cross Section
The typical configuration of a scattering experiment is shown in Fig. 14.1. A
%%⃗ is the differential
respectively, 𝑑Ω solid
uniform anglebeam
monoenergetic inof 𝑟̂particles
direction, and
of known energy 𝑑𝜎 is
and current the
density
J inc (7.107) is incident on a target containing scattering centers . Such scattering
differential cross-section. The scattering configuration can refer to the figure.
centers might, for example, be the positive nuclei of atoms in a metal lattice. If
the particles in the incident beam are, say, ex particles, then when one such particle
comes sufficiently close to one of the nuclei in the sample, it will be scattered. If
(a) [15] If the mass of incident particle is m,
the target sample how thin,
is sufficiently to formulate thethancurrent
the probability of more one such event
for any particle in the incident beam is small and one may expect to obtain a
density if the wave functionsevent.
of description
valid incident of theand scattered
scattering data in terms ofparticle are scattering
a single two-particle known.
Let the scattered current density be Jsc. Then the number of particles per unit
$&'
(b) [10] If the wave function of incident particle
time scattered through is 𝜙element
some surface $%" =dS is𝑒J sc . dS. Let
and the
dS be at thewave
radius
r from the target. Then if dO is the vector solid angle subtended by dS about the
function of scattered particletarget
is origin, r 2 dO (see$&(
𝜙!" dS== 𝑓(𝜃)𝑒 /𝑟,
Figs. find
9.9 and the
14.1). relationship
The vector solid angle dO is
in the direction of er ; that is, dO = er dQ . It follows that

between differential scattering cross-section 𝑑𝜎/𝑑Ω and 𝑓(𝜃).

Inciden t beam

FIGURE 14.1 Scattering configuration.

3. [15 points]
(a)[10] Using the indistinguishability of two identical quantum particles,
show that there are only two possible quantum states in 3-dimensional
space. According to the property of permutation transformation, we can
name the quantum particles as bosons or fermions.
(b)[5] Show that why two fermionic particles cannot occupy the same
quantum state.
Quantum Mechanics Qualify Exam, Part I, 50 points 2022 − 03 − 24

1. [10 points] A particle of mass m moving in one dimension has a potential V (x) which is
a shallow square well near the origin:


 −V0 , |x| < a
V (x) = 
 0, |x| > a

where V0 is a positive constant. Derive the eigenvalue equation for the state of lowest
energy, which is a bound state. (10 points)

2. [12 points] Two electrons are confined in one dimension to a box of length L. A clever
experimentalist has arranged that both electrons have the same spin state. Ignore the
Coulomb interaction between electrons.
a) Write the ground state wave function ψ(x1 , x2 ) for the two-electron system. (6 points)
b) What is the probability that both electrons are found in the same half of the box?
(6 points)

3. [18 points] Consider a simple harmonic oscillator in one dimension. Introduce the raising
and lowering operators, â+ and â respectively. The Hamiltonian H and wave function Ψ
at t = 0 are where denotes the eigenfunction of energy En = (n + 21 )h̄ω.
(a) What is wave function Ψ(t) at positive times? (6 points)
(b) What is the expectation value for the energy? (6 points)
q
h̄
(c) The position x can be represented in operators by x̂ = X0 (â + â+ ) where X0 = mω

is a constant. Derive an expression for the expectation of the time-dependent position

hx(t)i = hΨ(t)|x̂|Ψ(t)i

(6 points)
√
You may need operator expressions such as â|n >= n|n − 1 > and
√
â+ |n >= n + 1|n + 1 > .

4. [10 points] Use variational methods in one dimension to estimate the ground state
energy of a particle of mass m in a potential V (x) = λx4 . In this problem, you may
2 x2
choose the Gaussian wave function Ψ(x) = N e−α as the trial function. (10 points)
Quantum Mechanics Qualifying Exam Part II (50 points) 2022/03/24

1. Harmonic oscillator and ladder operators (12 points)

Suppose that we have a particle of mass m constrained to move on a circle of radius
a. (a) What is the Hamiltonian of such a particle? (b) write down the Hamiltonian
based on the ladder operators 𝑎" and 𝑎, (c) Please calculate its eigenvalues 𝐸$
for the nth eigenvector.

2. Angular momentum and matrix (18 points)

For 𝐽 = 𝐽' , 𝐽) , 𝐽* is the angular momentum operator, please (a) evaluate 𝐽)+
in the basis of |𝑗, 𝑚 and (b) write in 5x5 matrix form with element
𝑗 = 2, 𝑚 𝐽' 𝑗 = 2, 𝑚′ (a system with 𝑗 = 2).

3. Spin operator and its eigenstates (20 points)

(a) Write down the spin operator 𝑆 in terms of three Pauli matrices 𝜎' , 𝜎) and 𝜎*
(5 points).
(b) The unit vector 𝑛 is specified by the polar angle 𝜃 and azimuthal angle 𝜙 in the
spherical coordinates. |𝜓 is an eigenstate of the operator 𝑆 ∙ 𝑛 :
ℏ
𝑆 ∙ 𝑛 |𝜓 = |𝜓
+

= =
Show that |𝜓 = cos |+ + 𝑒 @A sin |− , where |+ and |− are eigenstates
+ +

of operator Sz (15 points)

Quantum Mechanics Qualifying Exam Part III (50 points) 2022/03/24

1. [20 points] Consider a particle of mass m in an infinite square well of

V0
width a with perturbation H ' = x for 0 ≤ x ≤ a , where V0 and a are
a
constants.
(a) Write down the unperturbed eigenfunctions of the first two states
and the corresponding energy eigenvalues. (10 points)
(b) Using first order perturbation theory, calculate the first order
energy corrections of the first two states. (10 points)

2. [30 points] Consider a particle of mass m moving under the influence

λ x4 λ ax3 λa2 x2
of the one dimension potential V ( x) = + − , where λ is
4 4 8
positive and a is a constant.
(a) Find the points of classical equilibrium and locate the global
minimum x0 . (10 points).
(b) Using the variational method, consider the trial wave function
β 
1/ 4  β ( x − x0 )2 
=ψ ( x)   exp  −  . Calculate the expectation value of
π   2 
 

the energy for this wave function in terms of ξ = β a 2 , the

dimensionless coupling λ = λ ma 6 /  2 , and other quantities. (10

points)
(c) Minimizing the energy in (b) with respect to ξ and taking a
special value of the coupling constant λ =  2 / ma 6 , obtain the
corresponding estimate of the ground-state energy. (5 points)
(d) Write the potential in terms of the variable δ x= x − x0 . For small
values of δ x , obtain the frequency ω of small oscillations around
the global minimum. (5 points)
Quantum Mechanics Qualify Exam, Part I, 50 points 2020 − 10 − 15

1. [20 points] Consider a particle whose wave function is ψ(x) = A sin(p0 x/h̄).
(a). Is this wave function an eigenstate of momentum? (5 points)
(b). Find the expectation value hpi of the momentum and the momentum probability
distribution. (10 points)
(c). Calculate the uncertainty ∆p of the momentum. (5 points)

2. [15 points] A particle in an infinite square well potential has an initial state vector
√
|ψ(t = 0)i = (|φ1 i − 2i|φ2 i)/ 5 where the |φn i are the eigenfunctions of the Hamiltonian
operator.
(a). Find the time evolution of the state vector. (7 points)
(b). Find the expectation value of the position as a function of time. (8 points)

3. [15 points] Consider a quantum system with a set of energy eigenstates |En i where the
energies are given by En = (n + 12 )h̄ω for n = 0, 1, 2, ... . The system is in the state
∞ 2
X αn e−α /2
|αi = √ |En i,
n=0 n!

where α is a positive real number.

(a). Find the probabilities for measuring the energy eigenvalues. (5 points)
(b). Find the expectation value of the energy. (5 points)
(c). Find the uncertainty of the energy. (5 points)
 Quantum Mechanics Qualifying Exam Part II (50 points) 2020/10/15

1. Consider a particle in a state described by the wave function

∞
ψ A(eiφ sin θ + cos θ ) g (r ) , where ∫ g (r ) r 2 dr = 1 and A is a real
2
=
0

constant.
(a) Calculate the normalization constant A. (6 points).
(b) Write the wave function in terms of spherical harmonics. (2 points)
(c) Write down the possible values of a measurement of the
z-component Lz of the angular momentum in this state, and
calculate the probability of obtaining each of these values.
(8 points)
(d) Calculate the expectation value of Lz . (4 points)
1 3 3
[Hint: Y00 = , Y10 = cos θ , Y1±1 =  sin θ e ± iφ .]
4π 4π 8π

2. Consider a particle with spin quantum number s = 1 and ignore all

spatial degrees of freedom. The particle is subject to a uniform

external magnetic field B = Bx , and the Hamiltonian of the system is
 
=
H g B ⋅ S , where g is a constant.
 2
(a) In the basis of the S , S z eigenstates | s, m > , write down the
raising and lowering operators S± as 3 × 3 matrices using the
relation S± | =
s, m >  s ( s + 1) − m(m ± 1) | s, m ± 1 > . (6 points)
(b) Using the definition S= ± S x ± iS y , write down S x , S y , S z as 3 × 3
matrices. (9 points)
(c) Calculate the eigenvalues and corresponding eigenvectors of S x .
(9 points)
(d) If the particle is initially (at t = 0 ) in the state |1,1 > , find the
evolved state of the particle at time t > 0 in terms of the
eigenvectors of S x . (3 points)
(e) What is the probability of finding the particle in the state |1, −1 > at
time t > 0 . (3 points)
 Part III

1. [30%] With the Born approximation, calculate (a) the scattering amplitude and
% &' )
(b) the total cross-section for scattering from a Yukawa potential 𝑉 𝑟 = 𝛽 .
*

2. [35%] Consider a system with a simple 2x2 matrix Hamiltonian H = H0+H1, for
which
𝜖- 0 0 𝑣
H0 = and H1 = ∗
0 𝜖/ 𝑣 0
First find the exact energies of the system (H0+H1)|Ψ = E |Ψ , then use
perturbation theory to find the energies for the nondegenerate and degenerate
cases: 𝜖- ≠ 𝜖/ and 𝜖- = 𝜖/ .

3. [35%] (a) Write down the complete singlet and triplet wave functions for 2-
electron system occupying 2 space states 𝜓5 (𝑟) and 𝜓8 (𝑟), and spin states u or
d (write particle 1 before particle 2 to avoid confusion). (b) Write down the
%9
energy shift due to the Coulomb interaction in the form ∆𝐸 = 𝐽 ± 𝐾
: ; <= |*? @*9 |

(you need write out the details of J and K ) and argue on physical ground that the
energy is lower when the electron spins are parallel (This is the origin of
ferromagnetism).
Quantum Mechanics Qualify Exam, Part I, 50 points 2019 − 10 − 17

1. [10 points] Use the de Broglie relation between the wavelength and the linear
momentum of a non-relativistic particle, and the Planck relation between frequency and
the quantum energy, to obtain the phase and group velocities of the wave motion
assiciated with a particle with velocity v which is much smaller than the speed of light c.

2. [15 points] Consider an infinite square potential well



 0, −a < x < a
V (x) =
∞, |x| ≥ a.



The wave function of a particle trapped in this potential well is found to be



 A(cos πx
2a
+ sin 3πx
a
+ 14 cos 3πx
2a
), −a < x < a
Ψ(x) =
0, |x| ≥ a.



(a) Calculate the coefficient A. (5 points)

(b) If a measurement of the total energy is made, what are the possible results of such a
measurement, and what is the probability to measure each of them? (10 points)

3. [13 points] The Hamiltonian for a certain three-level system is represented by the matrix
 
 a 0 b 
 
H= 
 0 c 0  , 
 
 
b 0 a

where a, b, and c are real numbers (assume a − c 6= ±b). If the system starts out in the
state
 
 0 
 
f (0) = 
 0 ,

 
 
1

what is f (t)?

4. [12 points] Consider a one-dimensional harmonic oscillator of mass m and angular

frequency ω that is on its n-th energy level.
(a) Find hx2 i. (6 points)
(b) Find the average kinetic energy of a one-dimensional harmonic oscillator if whose
total energy is 72 h̄ω. (6 points)
 Quantum Mechanics Qualifying Exam Part II (50 points) 2019/10/17

1. Consider an electron.

(a) Write down the spin operator S in terms of three Pauli matrices.
(5 points)
(b) For an arbitrary direction= ( )
r sin θ cos φ x + sin φ y + cos θ z , solve the

eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the operator r ⋅ S that represents
the spin projection along r . (10 points)
(c) If the electron is described by a Hamiltonian that does not depend
on spin, and the electron’s spin wave function is an eigenstate of
S z with eigenvalue  / 2 . What is the probability of finding the

electron in each r ⋅ S eigenstate. (5 points)

2. Consider a spinless particle represented by the wave function

ψ= A( x + y + 2 z )e −α r , where r = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 , while A and α are real
constants.
(a) Write the wave function in spherical coordinates. (5 points).
(b) Write the angular part of the wave function ψ (θ , φ ) in terms of
spherical harmonics and solve for its normalization constant.
(10 points)
(c) Calculate the expectation value of the square of the total angular
momentum, L2 . (5 points)
(d) Calculate the expectation value of the z-component of angular
momentum, Lz . (5 points)
(e) If the z-component of angular momentum were measured, calculate
the probability that the result would be Lz = + . (5 points)
1 3 3
[Hint: Y00 = , Y10 = cos θ , Y1±1 =  sin θ e ± iφ ,
4π 4π 8π

=Y20
5
16π
( )
3cos 2 θ − 1 , Y2±1 = 
15
8π
sin θ cos θ e ± iφ , Y2±2 =
15
32π
sin 2 θ e ±2iφ .]
 National Cheng Kung University

Physics Ph.D. Qualifying Examination

Quantum Mechanics

Part I (50%)

2 2
Q 1. [Total 29%] Let Ψ(x, t = 0) = A e−x /a be a solution to the Schrödinger equation (for a freely moving particle of mass
m) at the instant of time t = 0. For this instant of time,

(a) [6%] determine the normalization

R ∞ −yconstant A and explain the physical meaning of the normalization requirement
2 √
[you may use the fact that −∞ e dy = π];

(b) [2%] determine the expectation value of the position x of the particle;
(c) [4%] determine the expectation value of x2 of the particle;
(d) [3%] determine the expectation value of the momentum p of the particle;

(e) [5%] determine the expectation value of p2 of the particle;

(f) [2%] what does your answer in part (e) tell you about the expectation value of its energy (Hamiltonian)?
(g) [7%] verify using your answer to part (b)-part (e) that in this case, the Heisenberg uncertainty relation is saturated (i.e., the
inequality becomes an equality).

Q 2. [Total 21%] The Schrödinger equation is a linear partial differential equation that is first order in t. Given its solution at any
particular instant of time t = t0 , the evolution of this solution (wavefunction) as a function of time can be determined exactly.
For example, starting from the wavefunction Ψ(x, t = 0) given in Q 1., one can determine its wavefunction for all subsequent
values of t. To this end,

(a) [3%] determine the momentum representation Φ(0, t) of the wavefunction Ψ(x, t = 0) given in Q 1.;

(b) [5%] solve the Schrödinger equation to determine the wavefunction of the system in the momentum representation Φ(p, t)
for arbitrary time t > 0
[Hint: your calculation simplifies if you make use of the Schrödinger equation expressed in the momentum representation];
(c) [3%] using your answer to part (b) or otherwise, determine the wavefunction of the system in the position representation
Ψ(x, t) for arbitrary time t > 0.

Based on the determined Ψ(x, t),

(d) [3%] evaluate the probability of finding the particle at position(s) x ≤ 0;

(e) [2%] or otherwise, explain—without evaluating any integral—how you think the expectation value of the Hamiltonian of
the particle may, or may not change as a function of time;

(f) [2%] evaluate the expectation value of the position x of the particle;
(g) [3%] explain how you think the uncertainty of the position of this particle may, or may not change as a function of time.
 Quantum Mechanics Qualify Exam Part Ⅱ (50 points) 2019/03/28

1. Two quantum particles of mass m are attached to the ends of a massless rigid rod
of length a. The system is free to rotate in three dimensions about the center (but
the center point itself is fixed).

(a) Show that the allowed energies of this rigid rotor are (5 points)

 2 n(n + 1)
En = , for n = 0, 1, 2, ...
ma 2

(b) What are the normalized eigenfunctions for this system? (3 points) What is the
degeneracy of the nth level? (2 points)

2. A valence electron in an alkali atom is in a p-orbital (l=1). Consider the

simultaneous interactions of an external magnetic field B and the spin-orbit
interaction. The two interactions are described by the potential energy

1   1   
=
V AL ⋅ S − µ ( L + 2 S )⋅ B
2 
B

(a) Describe the energy levels for B = 0. (10 points)

(b) Describe the energy levels for weak magnetic fields (Zeeman effect). What are
the Landé g - factors? (10 points)

3. The unit vector n̂ is specified by the polar angle θ and azimuthal angle ϕ in the

spherical coordinates. ψ is an eigenstate of the operator S ⋅ nˆ :

 
S ⋅ nˆ ψ =
( )ψ
2

Show that

θ θ
ψ
= cos( ) + + sin( )eiφ − ,
2 2

Where + and − are eigenstates of S z . (20 points)

 Quantum Mechanics Part III (50 points) 2019/3/28

1. [20 points] A particle of mass m moves in a one-dimensional

 ∞, | x |> 3 | a |
 0, −3a < x < −a
potential box: V ( x) =  . Consider the constant V0 part
V0 , −a < x < a
 0, a < x < 3a
as a perturbation on a flat box of length 6a.
(a) Write down the unperturbed eigenfunctions Ψ 0n ( x ) and the

corresponding energy eigenvalues En0 . (10 points)

(b) Use the first order perturbation method to calculate the energy of
the ground state. (10 points)

2. [30 points] A particle of mass m moves in one dimension with the

potential V = g | x | .
(a) Calculate the real and positive normalization constant c of the
0, x < 0
function ψ ( x) =c Θ( x + a)Θ(a − x) 1 −
| x|
 , where Θ( x) =
 .
 a  1 x ≥ 0
(5 points)
(b) Use the function ψ ( x) in (a) as the trial wave function to find the
bound of the ground state energy by the variational method.
(10 points)
(c) Minimize the result of (b) to estimate the ground state energy.
(5 points)
(d) Use the WKB method to estimate the ground state energy.
(10 points)
 Ph.D. Qualifying Exam, March 22, 2018 (Quantum Mechanics)

Part I: 50 %

1. [6%] Consider the double-slit experiment in FIG. 1 with electrons passing through either slit.

FIG. 1. The double-slit experiment with electrons.

When both slits are open:

(a) [3%] Sketch the intensity pattern if the electrons were classical particles.

(b) [3%] Sketch the actual observed intensity pattern.

2. [24%] Hellmann-Feynman theorem

(a) [7%] Given Ĥ(λ)|ψλ i = Eλ |ψλ i, prove the Hellmann-Feynman theorem:

* +
dEλ dĤ
= ψλ ψλ ,
dλ dλ
where λ is a system parameter.

(b) [7%] For the time-dependent Schrödinger equation

∂Ψλ (t)
i~ = Hλ Ψλ (t) ,
∂t
show that we have the following identity instead
   
∂Hλ ∂ ∂Ψλ (t)
Ψλ (t) Ψλ (t) = i~ Ψλ (t) .
∂λ ∂t ∂λ

(c) [10%] Consider the Hamiltonian for the quantum harmonic oscillator (QHO) and eigen energies
p̂2
 
1 2 2 1
Ĥ = T̂ + V̂ = + mω x̂ , En = n + ~ω , n = 0, 1, 2, · · · ,
2m 2 2
calculate the average kinetic energy hT̂ i and average potential energy hV̂ i of the QHO.

3. [20%] Time-dependent system

(a) [10%] Given the wave function ψ(x, t) of a bound particle, show that, for any time t,
d ∞
Z
ψ(x, t)∗ ψ(x, t)dx = 0 .
dt −∞

(b) [10%] If the particle is in a stationary state ψ(x, t0 ) at time t0 , show that at any later time t,

the particle remains in that stationary state.

 Quantum Mechanics Qualify Exam Part Ⅱ (50 points) 2018/03/22

1 1 + i 
1. Suppose a spin-1/2 particle is in the state of χ =  .
6 2 

(a) What are the probabilities of getting +  2 and −  2 , if you measure S z

and S x ? (10 points)

(b) Calculate the expectation values of S z and S x . (10 points)


2. An electron is at rest in an oscillating magnetic field B = B0 cos(ωt )kˆ , where

B0 and ω are constants.

(a) The electron starts out (at t = 0) in the spin-up state with respect to the x-axis

(i.e., χ (0) = χ +( x ) ). Determine χ (t ) at any subsequent time. (10 points)

(b) Find the probability of getting −  2 , if you measure S x . (10 points)

(c) What is the minimum magnetic field ( B0 ) required to force a complete flip in

S x ? (10 points)
 Quantum Mechanics Qualify Exam Part III (50 points) 2018/3/22

1. Consider a particle moving in an infinite 1-D square well potential (-a<x<a). Use

⎧ N (a 2 − x 2 )(a 2 − λx 2 ), x < a
the trial wavefunction, ψ ( x) = ⎨ , to variationally
⎩ 0 , x ≥ a

calculate the ground state energy. (N is the normalization constant and λ is the
variational parameter). (15 points)
2. Give an example to illustrate/demonstrate the degenerate perturbation method. (15
points)
3. Under the 1st Born approximation and considering elastic scattering, calculate the
e− r / b
scattering amplitude, f (θ ) , for V (r ) = − . (10 points)
r
4. Consider the scattering problem of two identical electrons. What is the differential
cross section, σ(θ), if there is no preferred configuration of the total spin?
[Assuming that the scattering amplitude of single electron is f(θ).] (10 points)
 Quantum Mechanics Qualify Exam Part I (50 points) 2017/3/23

1. Consider the system in the state described by the wave function

x) C1ψ ( x) + C2ψ *( x) , where C1 and C2 are known complex numbers.
Ψ (=

+∞
ψ ( x) is a normalized wave function and ∫ −∞
ψ 2 ( x)dx = D is known.

(a) Write down the normalization condition of Ψ in terms of C1, C2 and

D. (5 points)
(b) Using the polar relation ψ ( x) = f ( x)eiθ ( x ) , calculate the probability

current density J ( x) for the state Ψ(x). (10 points)

(c) Show that the expectation value of the momentum in the state Ψ(x)
+∞
is given by < Ψ | p | Ψ >= m ∫−∞ J ( x)dx . (5 points)
(d) Show that both the probability current density and the expectation
value of the momentum vanish if | C1 |=| C2 | . (5 points)

2. For the harmonic oscillator, the normalized eigenfunction is given by

< y | n >= An e − y / 2 H n ( y ) , where An = π −1/ 4 2− n / 2 (n !) −1/ 2 is the normalization
2

( )
+∞
∫ H n ( y ) H n ' ( y )e − y dy = π 1/ 2 2n n ! δ nn ' . The lowering and
2
constant and −∞

1  d 
raising operators can be expressed as=a y+  and
2 dy 
1  d 
=a†  y −  , such that a=
|n> n | n − 1 > and a † | n=
> n +1 | n +1 > .
2 dy 

(a) Calculate the commutation relation  a, a † a  . (5 points).

(b) Using the equation for the lowering operator, derive the recursion
relation H 'n ( y ) = 2nH n −1 ( y ) . (5 points)

(c) Starting with a + a † =2 y , derive the recursion relation

=
H n +1 ( y ) 2 yH n ( y ) − 2nH n −1 ( y ) . (5 points)
 +∞
∫ ye − y H n ( y ) H m ( y )dy
2
(d) Calculate the integral −∞
on which the
transition probability between two oscillator states m and n
depends. (5 points)
+∞
∫ y 2 e − y H n ( y ) H n ( y )dy which occurs in the
2
(e) Calculate the integral −∞

calculation of the mean-square displacement of the quantum

oscillator. (5 points)
 Part II (50%)

Q 1. [Total 26%] Consider four Hermitian 2 × 2 matrices I, σ1 , σ2 and σ3 , where I is the unit matrix, while the others
satisfy the anti-commutation relations σi σj + σj σi = 2δij . Without assuming the each σi is a Pauli matrix, nor using
any specific representation or form for the matrices, show that

(a) [5%] for i ∈ {1, 2, 3}, the matrix σi is traceless, i.e., tr(σi ) = 0;
(b) [6%] the eigenvalues of σi are ±1 and that det(σi ) = −1;
(c) [7%] the four matrices {I, σ1 , σ2 , σ3 } are linearly independent and therefore that any 2 × 2 Hermitian matrix can
be expanded in terms of them.

(d) [8%] From (c) we know that an arbitrary 2 × 2 Hermitian matrix M can be decomposed as:
3
X
M = m0 I + mi σi .
i=1

Derive an expression for mi in terms of M and σi for all i ∈ {1, 2, 3}.

[Hint: Use the cyclic property of trace and the given anti-commutation relations]

Q 2. [Total 7%] The z-component of the spin of an electron in free space (no electromagnetic fields) is measured and
found to be + ~2 . If the axis defining the measured spin direction n makes an angle θ with respect to the (original)
z-axis, what is the probability of the various possible results? Express your answer in terms of the angle θ.

Q 3. [Total 17%] Consider an electron placed in a uniform magnetic field along the z direction. Suppose that a spin
measurement reveals that the electron spin is along the positive y direction at t = 0. Find the state vector for the
spin, and the average polarization (expectation value of sx ) along the x direction for t > 0. Express your answer in
terms of ω = µe~B where µe is the Bohr magneton and B is the magnetic field strength.
 Quantum Mechanics Qualify Examine Part III (50 points)
2017/3/23

1. Hamiltonian for a hydrogen-like atom:

Due to the spherical symmetry of H, the wave function can be decomposed into radial part and angular
part:

where the angular part is the spherical harmonic function.

(a) Write the Schrödinger equation for the radial function . (5%)
(b) Using variation function:

where is the normalization constant; and a the variational parameter. Please find a to minimize
the energy expectation value, and compare the variational energy with the exact eigen energy of
hydrogen-like atom for each . (20%)

2. A quantum particle of mass m moves in 1-d periodic potential . Its

time-independent wave function , and eigen energy :

(a) Show that can differ only a phase factor when shift the position a distance a:

Wave function is thus classified with angle : . (10%)

hint: examining the Fourier expansion of .
(b) In case , clearly . We can still classify the wave function with angle . What is
the eigen energy for for ?( and are two degenerate states.) (5%)

(c) When is small , calculate the splitting of degenerate states of using

first order perturbation theory. (10%)