3
$\begingroup$

Can I use this special case of Hadamard's formula $$e^\hat B \hat A e^{-\hat B}= A + [B,A]+\frac{1}{2!}[B, [B,A]] + \dots$$ for fermionic operators?

Suppose I have fermionic operators that obey anticommutation relations $\{a,a^{\dagger}\}=1$ and $\{a,a\}=\{a^{\dagger},a^{\dagger}\}=0$. The commutator for fermions $[a,a^{\dagger}]=1-2a^{\dagger}a$.

Then, if $A=a^{\dagger}$ and $B=a$, I can get

$e^\hat a \hat a^{\dagger} e^{-\hat a}=a^{\dagger}+[a,a^{\dagger}]+\frac{1}{2!}[a, [a,a^{\dagger}]]+ \dots = a^{\dagger}+(1-2a^{\dagger}a)+\frac{1}{2!}[a, (1-2a^{\dagger}a)]+\dots$

Is this formula universal for fermionic and bosonic operators?

$\endgroup$

1 Answer 1

2
$\begingroup$

Hadamard's formula $$ e^XYe^{-X}~=~e^{[X,\cdot]_C}Y \tag{1}$$ also works if one or both operators $X$ and $Y$ are Grassmann-odd (or even don't carry definite Grassmann-parity). Here it is important that $[\cdot,\cdot]_C$ in eq. (1) is the commutator; not the supercommutator nor the anticommutator. The proof is very similar to the Grassmann-even case.

NB: Be aware that a Grassmann-odd operator $X$ does not need to square to zero, cf. e.g. SUSY charge operators.

$\endgroup$

Your Answer

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

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