A composite system of three particles with different spin

In summary, to find the basis of a composite system of particles with different spin, one can consider the uncoupled basis where the particles with different spins have similar state kets. The basis for the particle with the higher spin would "envelope" the basis of the particle with the lower spin. This can be represented using spin states and orientation direction or by using 6-J symbols.
  • #1
Demon117
165
1
In general how does one find the basis of a composite system of particles with different spin. Say for example spin 1, spin 1/2, and spin 5/2.

My first thought was to consider the uncoupled basis wherein the particles with spin 1/2 and spin 5/2 have similar state kets. Would the basis for the particle of spin 5/2 "envelope" the basis of the particle with spin 1/2?
 
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  • #2
For starters, the uncoupled basis would be

[itex]\left\{|\frac{1}{2},1,\frac{3}{2}\rangle ,|\frac{1}{2},1,\frac{1}{2}\rangle
,|\frac{1}{2},1,-\frac{1}{2}\rangle ,|\frac{1}{2},1,-\frac{3}{2}\rangle
,|\frac{1}{2},0,\frac{3}{2}\rangle ,|\frac{1}{2},0,\frac{1}{2}\rangle
,|\frac{1}{2},0,-\frac{1}{2}\rangle ,|\frac{1}{2},0,-\frac{3}{2}\rangle
,|\frac{1}{2},-1,\frac{3}{2}\rangle ,|\frac{1}{2},-1,\frac{1}{2}\rangle
,|\frac{1}{2},-1,-\frac{1}{2}\rangle ,|\frac{1}{2},-1,-\frac{3}{2}\rangle
,|-\frac{1}{2},1,\frac{3}{2}\rangle ,|-\frac{1}{2},1,\frac{1}{2}\rangle
,|-\frac{1}{2},1,-\frac{1}{2}\rangle ,|-\frac{1}{2},1,-\frac{3}{2}\rangle
,|-\frac{1}{2},0,\frac{3}{2}\rangle ,|-\frac{1}{2},0,\frac{1}{2}\rangle
,|-\frac{1}{2},0,-\frac{1}{2}\rangle ,|-\frac{1}{2},0,-\frac{3}{2}\rangle
,|-\frac{1}{2},-1,\frac{3}{2}\rangle ,|-\frac{1}{2},-1,\frac{1}{2}\rangle
,|-\frac{1}{2},-1,-\frac{1}{2}\rangle ,|-\frac{1}{2},-1,-\frac{3}{2}\rangle
\right\}[/itex]

The notation may be a little strange for some of you but it basically incorporates the spin states of each particle and the direction of orientation; this is mean't to save time.
 
  • #3
You can also use 6-J symbols and do it all in one shot. One painful shot, but one shot.
 

1. What is a composite system of three particles with different spin?

A composite system of three particles with different spin refers to a collection of three particles that have different spin values, which is a quantum property that describes the intrinsic angular momentum of a particle. The spin values of the three particles can be either half-integer (such as 1/2, 3/2, etc.) or integer (such as 0, 1, 2, etc.).

2. How does the spin of each particle affect the overall spin of the composite system?

The overall spin of the composite system is determined by the combination of the individual spin values of the three particles. For example, if the three particles have spin values of 1/2, 1/2, and 1/2, the overall spin of the composite system can be 3/2, 1/2, or 1/2. The exact spin value will depend on the specific rules and interactions governing the particles.

3. What are the possible spin states for a composite system of three particles with different spin?

The possible spin states for a composite system of three particles with different spin are dependent on the individual spin values of the particles. In general, the spin states can range from the sum of the individual spin values to the difference between the individual spin values. For example, if the three particles have spin values of 1/2, 1/2, and 1/2, the possible spin states could be 3/2, 1/2, 1/2, 1/2, or 1/2.

4. How do scientists study composite systems of three particles with different spin?

Scientists study composite systems of three particles with different spin through various experimental techniques, such as scattering experiments or particle accelerators. These experiments allow scientists to observe and measure the spin values and interactions of the particles in the composite system, providing insight into the quantum properties of these systems.

5. What are the potential applications of understanding composite systems of three particles with different spin?

Understanding composite systems of three particles with different spin can have important implications in various fields, such as quantum computing, particle physics, and materials science. It can also help us better understand the fundamental properties of the universe and potentially lead to technological advancements in areas such as quantum information processing and energy storage.

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