Inconsistency of the rotating wave approximation with the Ehrenfest theorem

Authors

G. W. Ford, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
R. F. O'Connell, Louisiana State University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-10-1996

Abstract

We point out that the equation of motion derived from the well-known RWA (rotating-wave-approximation) Hamilitonian is inconsistent with the Ehrenfest theorem. By contrast, we find that the very general independent-oscillator model for a dissipative system [Ford et al., Phys. Rev. A 37 (1988) 4419] is consistent with the Ehrenfest theorem.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Physics Letters, Section A: General, Atomic and Solid State Physics

First Page

245

Last Page

246

Recommended Citation

Ford, G., & O'Connell, R. (1996). Inconsistency of the rotating wave approximation with the Ehrenfest theorem. Physics Letters, Section A: General, Atomic and Solid State Physics, 215 (5-6), 245-246. https://doi.org/10.1016/0375-9601(96)00242-3