Finding J=0 Momentum States in Spin 1/2 Particle System

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the J=0 momentum states in a system of two spin 1/2 particles, specifically focusing on the construction of the singlet state and the application of the Clebsch-Gordan theorem.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand how to derive the J=0 state from the combination of two spin 1/2 particles and questions whether the process involves trial and error or a systematic algorithm. Some participants suggest the importance of the Clebsch-Gordan theorem and coefficients in this context.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different methods for generating the J=0 state, with some providing insights into the use of the Clebsch-Gordan theorem and others discussing the generation of states using operators. There is an acknowledgment of the lack of familiarity with the CG table, which has led to some uncertainty in the approaches being discussed.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of constraints related to the original poster's experience with the Clebsch-Gordan table, indicating a gap in knowledge that affects their understanding of the problem.

CrusaderSean
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I have a general question on finding momentum states

Let's say I have two spin 1/2 particles, so
[tex]J=S_1+S_2[/tex]
and |J| ranges from [tex]|S_1 + S_2|[/tex] to [tex]|S_1 - S_2|[/tex]
in this case J=1 is triplet and J=0 is singlet.

Now how do you find the J=0 state? I know that
[tex]|j=0,m_j=0>=\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}(\uparrow_1 \downarrow_2 - \downarrow_1 \uparrow_2)[/tex]
but how do you get this in the first place? Is it pretty much trial and error and then use operator to generate rest of the states for that particular J? Or is there an algorithm for finding state [tex]|j,m_j=j>[/tex]?
 
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Well, it's all about reading & understanding Clebsch-Gordan theorem & coefficients correctly. Technically

[tex]|j,m\rangle =\sum_{m_{1},m_{2}} \langle j_{1},m_{1},j_{2},m_{2}|j,m\rangle |j_{1},m_{1},j_{2},m_{2} \rangle[/tex]

The coefficients are tabulated, also, you know that j=0 and m=0.

Daniel.
 
If you don't have a CG table, you can generate the spin estates.
First form J_11=\up\up. Then use the lowering operator to form the three J=1 states. J_00 will be orthogonal to J_10.
 
I see. We never really went over CG table so I had to guess the first form and generate rest of the spin (or orbital angular momentum) states. Thanks for the clarification.
 

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