0
$\begingroup$

$$\frac{1}{\sqrt{N}}\sum_{j=0}^{N-1}e^{2\pi i x j \left/ {\phantom\vert\!\!} N \right.}\,\left|j\right\rangle_h\left|j\right\rangle_t$$

For a valid state we should have sum of probabilities = 1. However, when I compute the sum of the squares of the amplitudes of this state, I get zero. Am I making a mistake?

$\endgroup$
1
  • 4
    $\begingroup$ You have to take the sum of squares of the moduli of the coefficients. In your example every coefficient has modulus $1/\sqrt{N}$. Squaring and summing gives 1. $\endgroup$
    – smapers
    Sep 3, 2019 at 11:02

2 Answers 2

6
$\begingroup$

For $\left|\psi\right> = \frac{1}{\sqrt{N}}\sum_{j=0}^{N-1}e^{2\pi i\frac{x_1}{N}j}\left|j\right>_h\left|j\right>_t$ to be normalized. It must satisfy $\left<\psi|\psi\right> = 1$. Let's check, $\left<\psi|\psi\right> = \frac{1}{N}\sum_{j=0}^{N-1}e^{-2\pi i\frac{x_1}{N}j}\left<j\right|_h\left<j\right|_t\sum_{j=0}^{N-1}e^{2\pi i\frac{x_1}{N}j}\left|j\right>_h\left|j\right>_t$. Assuming the $\left|j\right>_i$ states are orthonormal, then $\left<\psi|\psi\right> = \frac{1}{N}N = 1$

$\endgroup$
2
$\begingroup$

Another approach is $\exp(ix) = \cos x + i\sin x$, so $\left|\cos x + i\sin x\right| = \sqrt{\left(\cos x + i\sin x\right)\left(\cos x - i\sin x\right)} = \sqrt{\cos^2x + \sin^2x} = 1$. so each term in $|ψ⟩$ has coefficient amplitude $1/√N$, so sum of square of all the terms $N\times(1/√N)^2 =1$.

$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.