(a) Let ∣i⟩ and ∣j⟩ be two eigenstates of a time-independent Hamiltonian H0, separated in energy by ℏωij. At time t=0 the system is perturbed by a small, time independent operator V. The perturbation is turned off at time t=T. Show that if the system is initially in state ∣i⟩, the probability of a transition to state ∣j⟩ is approximately
Pij=4∣⟨i∣V∣j⟩∣2(ℏωij)2sin2(ωijT/2)
(b) An uncharged particle with spin one-half and magnetic moment μ travels at speed v through a region of uniform magnetic field B=(0,0,B). Over a length L of its path, an additional perpendicular magnetic field b is applied. The spin-dependent part of the Hamiltonian is
H(t)={−μ(Bσz+bσx)−μBσz while 0<t<L/v otherwise
where σz and σx are Pauli matrices. The particle initially has its spin aligned along the direction of B=(0,0,B). Find the probability that it makes a transition to the state with opposite spin
(i) by assuming b≪B and using your result from part (a),
(ii) by finding the exact evolution of the state.
[Hint: for any 3-vector a,eia⋅σ=(cosa)I+(isina)a^⋅σ, where I is the 2×2 unit matrix, σ=(σx,σy,σz),a=∣a∣ and a^=a/∣a∣.]