Eigenstate
Article
In quantum mechanics, an eigenstate is a state that has a definite value for a particular observable. When the corresponding operator acts on the state, it returns the same state multiplied by the observable's eigenvalue.
If a system is in an eigenstate of energy, an ideal energy measurement yields the associated energy with certainty. A state can be an eigenstate of one observable while remaining a superposition of eigenstates of another.
Quantum states are represented by vectors or wavefunctions, and observables by linear operators. The possible measurement outcomes are the operators' eigenvalues, while the eigenstates form the basis used to express more general states.
Eigenstates are central to atomic spectra, spin, angular momentum, molecular vibration, quantum computing, and many other applications. Interactions and measurements can change which eigenstate or superposition describes the system.
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- Source / publisher: Wikipedia
- URL type: WWW
- Credits: Wikipedia
- URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eigenstate