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CSIR NET EXAM » CSIR UGC-NET Exam Study Materials » Mathematical Sciences » Eigenfunctions
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Eigenfunctions

Eigenfunction is a function of a linear operator (D) in mathematical sciences that has a prominent contribution to quantum mechanics.

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English mathematician and scientist Arthur Cayley discovered the eigenfunction and eigenvalues in the mid-19th century. We typically use matrix algebra to determine the fundamental solution for the function, and the discovery of the function opened new doors for modern algebra.

Let’s assume a linear operator, D, is defined in a particular space. The eigenfunction of D is a function, F. F is a unique function value that will only be multiplied by a particular scaling factor when D acts upon it. The scaling factor is the eigenvalue. The eigenfunction is denoted by F, the operator is denoted by D, and the eigenvalue is denoted by lambda. The signs are the conventional practices for an eigenfunction in mathematical sciences.

Definition of Eigenfunctions

Eigenfunctions are a vague and complex concept in arbitrary mathematical sciences. Eigenfunctions are independent sets of functions that record the solutions of a particular differential equation. These functions and values are vital in computing analogue vision and multi-dimensional analysis of systems like spectral clustering.

Definition of Eigenvalues

Eigenvalues definition is a set of scalar values that record the solutions of a particular system. We can obtain the eigenvalues of an equation using the matrix analysis method of solving equations. The set of eigenvalues consists of non-zero elements that can satisfy the specific equation under local conditions.

We denote the eigenvalues definition using the Greek letter lambda. These values are essential for quantum analysis and dimension theory as they help us determine the behaviour of a multi-dimensional system in a one-dimensional space. We can simplify the value of the system functions using eigenvalues and use the simplified data to assess the system’s characteristics in a real multi-dimensional space.

Properties of Eigenvalues

The primary eigenvalues properties are as follows:

  • The set of eigenvalues representing the solution of symmetrical and hermitian matrices consisting of real elements will be a set of real non-zero values. 

  • The set of eigenvalues representing the solution of matrices that are skew-symmetric and skew hermitian and consist of real elements will be a set of imaginary numbers or a zero set.

  • The set of eigenvalues representing the solution of unitary and orthogonal matrices will be a set of numbers with the unit modulus where || = 1.

Examples of Eigenvalues

To find eigenvalues examples, we need to solve matrices using the lambda. The value of lambda can be anything from zero to any real or imaginary number, depending on the matrix type. If the matrix is symmetric and hermitian and has real elements, the value of will be non-zero and real. If the matrix is skew-symmetric and skew hermitian and has real elements, the value of lambda will either be zero or purely imaginary. If the matrix is orthogonal and unitary, the modulus values of lambda will be 1.

Applications of Eigenvalues and Eigenfunctions

Eigenvalues play a vital role in the identification of reservoirs. Oil companies often use eigenfunction analysis for exploration in unknown lands. The various substances associated with the formation of oil reservoirs (oil, dirt, etc.) act like functions in multiple linear systems. Each linear system consists of a specific eigenvalue. The companies determine the location of oil mines using eigenvalue analysis.

Eigenvalues are also crucial elements in theoretical physics and mechanics. It is the equivalent value of a particular operator that gives us an idea about the real number representing the operator’s characteristics. To put it simply, eigenvalues let us study multi-dimensional operators or systems in the light of one-dimensional knowledge. Their function is very similar in mechanics to that of derivatives in science. Derivatives project a complex mathematical system as linear, and eigenvalues project a complex multi-dimensional system as one-dimensional.

Conclusion

It becomes easier to comprehend and solve linear transformation with a clear concept about eigenfunctions and eigenvalues. Using eigenvalues, we can find the factors that directly impact the compression of any function. Eigenvectors and eigenfunctions provide us with the direction along which the flipping or stretching of a linear function occurs.

Eigenvalues, eigenvectors, and eigenfunctions are integral elements in the revolutionary concepts in mathematical sciences. The discovery opened new ways for modern algebra using the complex concepts of matrix analysis. Modern mathematicians use the functions and values to solve the hardest of functions known to science. 

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Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the CSIR Examination Preparation.

What are eigenfunction and eigenvalues?

Let’s assume a linear operator, D, is defined in a particular space. The eigenfunction of D is a function,F. F...Read full

Where can we use eigenvalues?

Ans :Eigenvalues are vital elements in physics and mechanics. It is the equivalent value of a particular operator th...Read full

What is an example of eigenvalue in the real world?

Ans :There are several examples of eigenvalues in the real world. Oil companies often use eigenfunction analysis for...Read full

Let’s assume a linear operator, D, is defined in a particular space. The eigenfunction of D is a function,F. F is a unique function value that will only be multiplied by a particular scaling factor when D acts upon it. The scaling factor is the eigenvalue. The eigenfunction is denoted by F, the operator is denoted by D, and the eigenvalue is denoted by lambda( ) in conventional uses of an eigenfunction in mathematical sciences.

Ans :Eigenvalues are vital elements in physics and mechanics. It is the equivalent value of a particular operator that gives us an idea about the real number representing the operator’s characteristics. To put it simply, eigenvalues let us study multi-dimensional operators or systems in the light of one-dimensional knowledge. Their function is very similar in mechanics to that of derivatives in science. Derivatives project a complex mathematical system as linear, and eigenvalues project a complex multi-dimensional system as one-dimensional. 

 

Ans :There are several examples of eigenvalues in the real world. Oil companies often use eigenfunction analysis for exploration in unknown lands. The various substances associated with the formation of oil reservoirs (oil, dirt, etc.) act like functions in multiple linear systems. Each linear system consists of a specific eigenvalue. The companies determine the location of oil mines using eigenvalue analysis.

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